Nursery schools in Barcelona
Most children in Spain begin primary school at three, although it is not obligatory until the age of six. Consequently, most nursery schools cater only to children up to three years old, although there are a few exceptions.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Many of the city's international schools offer nursery care. For a complete list of these schools see here.
PUBLIC NURSERY SCHOOLS
Public nursery schools (Escola Municipal Bressol) accept babies from the age of five months and cost around €280 per month including a full day and lunch. Competition is fierce for places and the application process takes place in May. The assigning of places works according to a points system. Points are given for various concepts such as living in the neighbourhood and for single parent and low-income families. See the Ajuntament website for more details.
ENGLISH-SPEAKING NURSERY SCHOOLS
This unique space offers holistic and positive education in a caring, fun and creative environment for babies and children aged one to three years. Linguistic immersion with native Spanish, English and French-speaking teachers is combined with empathic communication. A special focus on emotional security and facilitating a child’s autonomy from an early age provides an integral foundation for your child’s early development. Creativity, art and movement are enjoyed and explored through stimulating activities. There is a custom built indoor playground, also used after nursery hours as an infants’ play park, and delightful terrace garden.
Santaló 126. Tel. 934613045 www.peekaboo-center.com
First Steps - St Peter's School
St Peter's School in the Pedralbes neighbourhood offers a private nursery with a focus on learning by discovery and developing inquiry skills through play. It helps young children from the age of 12 months develop a sound base of the English language, whilst encouraging them to make connections and recognise patterns through their knowledge of other languages. First Steps offers a variety of services, including flexible timetables, direct bus service, babysitting, and much more.
Eduard Toldrà, 18. Tel. 932043612 www.stpeters.es/en/firststeps
BCN Kinder
This non-profit association is based on the German system and caters to children aged 10 months to five years. Located in the Barrio Gótico there is a strong focus on nature and ecology, and meals are made from only organic food. BCN Kinder offers a flexible timetable, personalised adaptation process and a high ratio of carers to children.
Belafila 4. Tel. 93 268 2578 www.bcn-kinder.org
English Kinder
This Sarriá-based offers a trilingual (English/Spanish/Catalan) nursery and pre-school from one to five years. The emphasis is on offering a stimulating early-learning environment with a personalised development programme for each child.
Margenat 64. Tel. 93 417 3677 www.englishkinderbarcelona.com
Noah's Ark - Esplugues de Llobregat
This bilingual (English and Spanish) nursery is located in a large house in Esplugues. They accept children from four months old to three years and have a high ratio of carers to children. The facilities are bright and spacious with 600m of outdoor space.
Ferran 74. Esplugues de Llobregat. Tel. 93 473 5371 www.noahsark.es
The Playhouse
This progressive international daycare centre in Gràcia offers flexible and part-time options. The space is bright and airy and all food is organic. It is run by British mother-of-three Sarah Yandell.
Calle Mozart 10 bajos, Tel. 93 368 7834 or 661 469 419, www.theplayhousebcn.net
Little Ducky - Sant Cugat
A trilingual (Catalan, English and Spanish) family-run nursery based in Sant Cugat for babies and toddlers from nine months. Groups are small and they encourage a multicultural environment, using English in all activities.
C/ Joan XXIII Nº 31, Sant Cugat, Tel. 93 589 1704, www.littleducky.com