When to apply for a nursery place and key deadlines

Key rules

• Spring window: Apply in spring, normally between March and June depending on the region, for a September start.
• Minimum age: The usual minimum age to enter a nursery is 16 weeks, when statutory maternity leave ends.
• Dates change: Calendars change every year, so always check this year's dates with your regional education department or town hall.
• Missed the round: Missing the main round does not end your chances: ask about vacancies and waiting lists straight away.

Apply in spring for a September start

Applications for September entry are made in spring, normally between March and June depending on the region, and the exact dates change every year. Do not wait for September: the main allocation is decided months before the school year begins.

Typical windows differ by region:

• Madrid: usually April to May for public centres.
• Catalonia: usually March to April for municipal nurseries (escoles bressol), set by each council.
• Andalusia: usually late February to March for nurseries in the regional scheme, with enrolment later.
• Valencia: usually April to May, set each year by the regional education department.

Cities within a region can differ, so treat these as a guide to when to start looking, not as dates.

Find your local calendar

The calendar and rules come from the regional education department and, for municipal nurseries, from your town hall's education area. Do this:

1. Search the regional education website for "admisión escuelas infantiles" or "primer ciclo".
2. Search your town hall's website for "escuelas infantiles" or "escoles bressol".
3. Look for an online application platform. Many regions have one.
4. Check the nursery itself. Centres also display the dates and the points scale.

Check the dates every year. Last year's calendar is not a safe guide.

How your child's age is counted

Eligibility is generally set by your child's age in the school year, based on birth year or on an age reached by a set date. Each region or council sets the rule, so check it in your local calendar.

The usual minimum age to enter is 16 weeks, when statutory maternity leave ends. Some regions allow entry from a few weeks or months of age. Children are grouped into classes by year of birth: 0, 1 and 2 years.

If you miss the main round or get no place

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 in order of points, or by the council's admissions commission. If no list remains, you may be able to apply directly at the nursery or the council. Some regions publish a list of centres with vacancies after the main allocation.

The waiting list is ordered by points. The scale usually counts siblings already in the centre, family income, working parents, living or working near the centre, large-family status and disability. Ties are settled by set criteria or a draw.

Lists generally last for the school year, and you normally apply again for the following year. In some places you can stay on the list for several months and update your details.

The decision block below helps you choose between staying on the list, asking about vacancies and applying again. The step-by-step process and the FAQ below cover the application itself and common questions.

Choosing between options

What should you do if you do not get a place in the main allocation?

• Stay on the waiting list: Choose this if the list is still open. Places go in order of points, and some areas let you stay on for several months and update your details.

• Apply directly for a vacancy: Choose this if no list remains. You may be able to apply at the centre or at the council.

• Plan to apply again next year: Choose this if you have no place by the end of the school year.

If a list is still open, stay on it and watch for vacancies. If not, ask the centre or council about direct applications. If neither works, apply again in the next spring window.

Applying for a public nursery place step by step

• Register on the padrón (the local residents' register) and gather your documents: before you apply

• Submit one application, online or in person, listing nurseries in order of preference: during the application period in your region's call

• Read the provisional list, which shows admitted and excluded applicants with their points: a few weeks after applications close, often May to June

• Correct errors or claim against the provisional list: within the few working days after the provisional list is published

• Read the final list on the nursery notice board or the regional or council portal: usually June or July

• Enrol (matrícula) by handing in the form and remaining documents, such as health card, vaccination record, bank details and photographs: within the period in the call, usually a few weeks after the final list

• If you miss enrolment, your place is lost and offered to the next family; watch for later vacancies: after the enrolment deadline passes

• If you are on the waiting list, stay available in case a place opens: after the final list, as places open

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find my local nursery calendar?

Your regional education department publishes the calendar, and your town hall's education area does the same for municipal nurseries. Search the regional education portal for 'admisión escuelas infantiles' or 'primer ciclo', and the council website for 'escuelas infantiles' or 'escoles bressol'. The nurseries themselves also display the dates.

How is my child's age counted for a nursery year?

Your region or town hall sets the rule, usually by birth year or by the age reached on a set date. Children are grouped into classes by year of birth (0, 1 and 2 years). Some regions allow enrolment from a few weeks or months of age, so ask the nursery.

Can I still get a place if the main period has passed?

Yes, vacancies are published after the main period and filled from the waiting list, but the process depends on your area. The centre, the council or the regional platform publishes them.

How long does a nursery waiting list last?

A waiting list generally lasts for the school year, and you normally apply again for the following year. Places are given in order of points, and ties are broken by set criteria or a draw.