Getting a nursery place

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain with a young child. It does not cover choosing a private nursery, nursery fees and aid, registering an address or getting an NIE, or school admission.

Start with "How public nursery places (escuelas infantiles) work in Spain". It explains the different kinds of nursery and how hard a place is to get. After that, read "When to apply for a nursery place and key deadlines" to hit the window, and "Arriving with a toddler outside the nursery admission window" if you land mid-year.

Key rules

• Application window: Applications for September entry are made in spring, normally between March and June depending on the region, and the exact dates change every year.
• Minimum age: The usual minimum age to enter a nursery is 16 weeks, when statutory maternity leave ends.
• Three kinds of place: Places are public, convenio-based or independent private, and only the first two use the points-based admission process.
• Uneven chances: Demand often exceeds public places in big cities, most of all for babies, so chances differ by city, district and age.
• Spring window: Apply in spring, normally between March and June depending on the region, for a September start.
• Late applications: Most regions and councils accept late applications, but you go behind families who applied on time.

Getting a nursery place: the whole process, step by step

• Find your region's and town hall's nursery calendar and rules (read: How public nursery places (escuelas infantiles) work in Spain): as early as you can, before spring

• Register on the padrón, the municipal register, in your town (read: Do you need an NIE or a registered address (empadronamiento) for nursery?): before the application deadline, because some areas give residence points only if you were registered before it

• Gather income papers, including foreign ones if you have no Spanish tax return (read: Applying for nursery with foreign income and tax records): before the window opens

• Check the age rule: the usual minimum age to enter is 16 weeks, and children are grouped by year of birth (read: How public nursery places (escuelas infantiles) work in Spain): before you apply

• Submit your application for September entry (read: When to apply for a nursery place and key deadlines): in spring, normally between March and June depending on the region

• Claim any priority points for your family situation (read: How nursery admission points (baremo) work for newcomers, and Nursery priority for single parents and large families (familia numerosa)): with your application

• Apply for a vacant place if you missed the window or arrived mid-year (read: Arriving with a toddler outside the nursery admission window): at any time of year, after those who applied on time

• Try private nurseries as a backup or an alternative: year-round, depending on vacancies; a place can often be found within days or weeks, though September can have waiting lists

Dates change every year, so check the current calendar with your regional education department or town hall.

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• A recent padrón certificate — Applying for nursery with foreign income and tax records, Do you need an NIE or a registered address (empadronamiento) for nursery?
• Your ID and your partner's ID — Applying for nursery with foreign income and tax records
• Parent ID — Do you need an NIE or a registered address (empadronamiento) for nursery?
• Identity documents for the parents — Nursery priority for single parents and large families (familia numerosa)

Income and work

• Spanish tax return — How nursery admission points (baremo) work for newcomers
• Employer certificate stating contract type — How nursery admission points (baremo) work for newcomers
• Recent payslip — How nursery admission points (baremo) work for newcomers

Other documents

• The family book
• Your child's vaccination record — Applying for nursery with foreign income and tax records, Do you need an NIE or a registered address (empadronamiento) for nursery?
• The application form — Applying for nursery with foreign income and tax records
• Proof of work or study for each parent — Applying for nursery with foreign income and tax records

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

Getting a nursery place: questions that cross several articles

Where do I find my area's nursery dates and rules?

Look on your regional education department's website and your town hall's education area. Search for 'admisión escuelas infantiles' or 'primer ciclo' on the regional portal, and 'escuelas infantiles' or 'escoles bressol' on the council site. Many regions have an online platform, and the nurseries display their dates too.

Can I still apply if I arrive mid-year or miss the window?

Yes, most regions and councils accept late applications, which go to any remaining vacancies after those who applied on time. Late applicants usually go to the end of the list. Apply at the council, the regional platform or the nursery.

How do I find out about vacancies after the main period?

Vacancies are published by the nursery, the council or the regional platform, depending on where you live. They are filled from the waiting list by points, and if no list remains you may apply directly.

What income papers do I need if I have no Spanish tax return?

You will often need to submit foreign income documents, or you may be given the minimum income score. Normally the administration checks a Spanish tax return from two years before, with your consent. Read Applying with foreign income and tax records and How nursery admission points (baremo) work for newcomers.