Key Takeaways
- Public nurseries (Escuelas Infantiles) are heavily subsidised or free for ages 0-3, but places are limited — apply as early as possible.
- Private nurseries (guarderías) run EUR 300–600/month for full-time care. International/English nurseries cost EUR 500–900/month.
- Pre-school education (ages 3-6, Educación Infantil) is free in the public system and universally available — this is where many expat families start.
- The Junta de Andalucía’s childcare voucher (Bono Infantil) can subsidise private nursery costs by EUR 100–200/month for qualifying families.
- Many families use public pre-school for Spanish immersion (ages 3-6), then switch to an international school for primary.
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Childcare on the Costa del Sol is genuinely good — better than many expats expect. Spain loves children in a way that’s visible in daily life (toddlers in restaurants at 10pm, grandparents as primary caregivers, an entire social infrastructure built around family), and the formal childcare system reflects this.
Here’s what’s available, what it costs, and how to navigate the system.
Ages 0–3: Nurseries (Guarderías / Escuelas Infantiles)
Public Nurseries (Escuelas Infantiles)
Run by the Junta de Andalucía or local ayuntamientos. These are not babysitting services — they’re structured educational settings with qualified staff and regulated ratios.
- Cost: EUR 0–200/month, means-tested based on family income. Many families pay nothing.
- Hours: Typically 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, some with extended hours
- Staff ratios: 1:8 for under-1s, 1:13 for 1-2, 1:18 for 2-3 (Andalucía regulations)
- Language: Spanish only
- Application: Through the Junta de Andalucía, usually March-April for September entry
The catch: Demand exceeds supply. Priority goes to families where both parents work, single-parent households, and lower-income families. If you work from home or one parent doesn’t work, you may not get a place. Apply to multiple centres.
Documents needed:
- Padrón (proof of address)
- Parents’ NIE or passport
- Child’s birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
- Proof of income / employment contracts
- Child’s vaccination record (cartilla de vacunación)
Private Nurseries (Guarderías Privadas)
More available, more flexible, and you get to choose based on location and philosophy rather than being assigned:
- Cost: EUR 300–600/month for full-time (8 AM – 3 PM typical, extended hours available)
- Hours: More flexible than public — many offer part-time options (mornings only EUR 200–350/month)
- Language: Spanish, though many in expat areas offer bilingual programmes
- Approach: Varies — Montessori, Waldorf, play-based, structured — the Costa has them all
What to check:
- Is it registered with the Junta de Andalucía? (All legitimate nurseries must be — ask for the número de registro)
- Staff qualifications — qualified educadores infantiles vs. untrained assistants
- Indoor/outdoor space ratio
- Kitchen on-site? (Many nurseries prepare fresh meals daily)
- Nappy and wipes policy (some supply, some expect you to bring)
International/English-Medium Nurseries
For families who want English as the primary language from the start:
- Cost: EUR 500–900/month
- Language: English-medium with Spanish exposure
- Often attached to international schools — which means a seamless transition to reception/primary
Notable options along the coast:
- Footsteps (Nueva Andalucía) — well-established English nursery
- Little Acorns (San Pedro) — British Early Years, feeds into Laude
- The Montessori School of Marbella — Montessori method, bilingual
- Kids&Us (multiple locations) — language immersion centres (English) for young children, supplement rather than full nursery
- Nursery sections of international schools — Swans, Aloha, EIC, British College all have early years intake from age 2-3
Ages 3–6: Pre-School (Educación Infantil)
This is where Spain’s system shines for expat families. Educación Infantil (the second cycle, ages 3-6) is:
- Free in all public schools
- Universal — every child is guaranteed a place
- High quality — structured curriculum covering language, numeracy, social skills, creativity
- Half-day or full-day — many public schools offer comedor (lunch) and aula matinal (before-school care from 7:30 AM)
This is the sweet spot for bilingualism. At age 3, children absorb languages effortlessly. Two years of Spanish pre-school gives a child genuine bilingual foundations — and it costs nothing. Many expat families use public Educación Infantil for ages 3-6, then transition to an international school for primary if they want English-medium academic instruction.
Enrollment: Through the Junta de Andalucía portal, typically March for September entry. You’ll be assigned a school based on your padrón address, though you can request preferences.
The Bono Infantil: Andalucía’s Childcare Subsidy
The Junta de Andalucía offers the Bono Infantil — a monthly subsidy for families using registered private nurseries for children aged 0-3:
- Amount: EUR 100–200/month depending on family income and hours
- Eligibility: Both parents working or studying, family income below thresholds (generous — most middle-income families qualify)
- How to apply: Through the Junta de Andalucía website or your local Delegación de Educación
- The nursery must be registered with the Junta — unregistered childminders don’t qualify
Combined with the tax deduction for childcare (up to EUR 1,000/year per child under 3 for working mothers), the real cost of private nursery care can come down significantly.
Other Childcare Options
Au Pairs
Popular with expat families, though Spain doesn’t have a formal au pair visa programme. In practice, many families arrange au pairs informally — a young person (often British, Irish, or Nordic) who lives with the family, provides childcare, and practises their Spanish.
- Typical arrangement: 25-30 hours/week of childcare in exchange for room, board, and EUR 250–400/month pocket money
- Finding one: AuPairWorld, Facebook groups, university notice boards
- Legal note: Technically, an au pair should have work authorisation. EU nationals are fine; non-EU nationals need a student visa or similar. Many families don’t formalise this — that’s their risk.
Canguros (Babysitters)
The Spanish word for babysitter is canguro (kangaroo — no one knows why). Evening babysitting rates on the Costa del Sol run EUR 8–15/hour, with English-speaking sitters at the higher end. Apps like Sitly and Yoopies operate in Spain, or ask at your child’s school/nursery for recommendations.
Grandparent Culture
If you have family nearby (or can convince grandparents to visit regularly), you’re tapping into Spain’s default childcare model. Spanish grandparents provide an estimated 30% of all childcare nationally. The culture is set up for it — parks are full of abuelos with grandchildren, and the siesta schedule was essentially designed around family childcare logistics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does childcare cost on the Costa del Sol?
Public nurseries (ages 0-3) are EUR 0–200/month depending on income. Private Spanish nurseries run EUR 300–600/month. International English-medium nurseries cost EUR 500–900/month. Pre-school education (ages 3-6) is free in the public system.
When should I apply for a nursery place in Spain?
For September entry, apply in March-April through the Junta de Andalucía portal (public nurseries) or contact private nurseries directly from January onwards. Popular nurseries in Marbella and along the coast fill early — start your search 6 months ahead.
Is Spanish pre-school (ages 3-6) compulsory?
No. Compulsory education starts at age 6. However, pre-school (Educación Infantil, second cycle) is free, universally available, and attended by virtually all children in Spain. It’s strongly recommended — the socialisation and language development at this stage is invaluable.
Can I get a childcare subsidy in Andalucía?
Yes. The Bono Infantil provides EUR 100–200/month toward registered private nursery fees for children aged 0-3. Both parents must be working or studying, and the nursery must be registered with the Junta de Andalucía. Additionally, working mothers can claim a tax deduction of up to EUR 1,000/year per child under 3.
Should I send my child to a Spanish or English nursery?
At nursery age (0-3), language of instruction matters less than the quality of care and the environment. Children this young absorb languages effortlessly. A Spanish nursery gives early bilingual exposure; an English nursery provides continuity if transitioning to an international school. Many families choose Spanish nursery/pre-school (free, excellent immersion) and switch to international school at primary age.
📖 Related Guides
- International Schools on the Costa del Sol
- International Schools in Málaga
- International Schools in Marbella
- Homeschooling in Spain
- Cost of Living on the Costa del Sol
Last reviewed: February 2026. Fees and subsidies change annually — verify current rates directly with nurseries and the Junta de Andalucía.
