Finding early childcare is a priority for many expat families in Madrid. This guide explains how to find and apply for a nursery school, comparing public and private options.
What is a guardería in Spain?
The informal term for daycare or nursery school in Spain is guardería (nursery school or daycare). However, the official name is escuela infantil (nursery school).
These schools cater to children from zero to three years old. Childcare for this age group is voluntary in Spain.
The next stage of school covers children from three to six years old. The Spanish term is educación infantil (early childhood education).
Pre-school for older children is often attached to primary schools and is mostly free.
Public versus private guarderías
You can choose between public and private nursery schools. Both types have different application rules, calendars, and costs.
Public nursery schools are subsidized by the local government. The Spanish term is escuela infantil pública (public nursery school).
Private nursery schools are privately managed. The Spanish term is escuela infantil privada (private nursery school).
Public daycares have strict schedules and shorter holiday periods. Private daycares offer more flexible hours and often remain open in July.
Admissions process and the point system (Baremos)
Applying for a public nursery school is a highly competitive process. The local government uses a points system to assign spaces.
The Spanish term for this points system is baremo (points system). Points are awarded based on specific family circumstances.
You receive points if both parents work full-time. You also get points for low family income or living close to the school.
The application window is very short. It usually opens for two weeks in April or May for starting in September.
Nursery costs and subsidies (Cheque guardería)
Public nursery tuition is free in the Community of Madrid. However, you must pay for daily school meals.
The fee for the dining hall is called the comedor (dining hall fee). This fee is set at around 96 euros per month.
Private nurseries charge between 350 and 600 euros per month. This cost includes meals and teaching materials.
You can apply for a regional daycare check to help pay for private nurseries. The Spanish term is cheque guardería (regional daycare voucher).
This monthly voucher ranges from 100 to 160 euros. It is only available if you applied for a public spot and did not get one.
Public vs Private guarderías comparison
This table compares the main differences between public and private daycares in Madrid.
| Feature | Public Nurseries | Private Nurseries |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition cost | Free (only pay meals) | €350 to €600 per month |
| Hours | 9:00 to 16:00 (strict) | 7:30 to 18:00 (flexible) |
| Application period | April or May only | Year-round (subject to spots) |
| Admissions | Points-based system | Direct enrollment |
Public daycares are excellent if you qualify for points. Private nurseries are better if you need flexible hours.
Step-by-step: How to apply for a public guardería
Follow these steps to apply for a public nursery spot in Madrid.
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Research local nurseries in your neighborhood during the winter months.
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Attend school open days to visit the classrooms and meet the staff.
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Calculate your estimated points using the official baremo criteria.
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Submit your application form online or in person during the April application window.
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Check the lista provisional (provisional list) in May to verify your points.
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Submit an appeal immediately if your points were calculated incorrectly.
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Check the lista definitiva (final list) in June to see your assigned school.
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Complete the matrícula (enrollment) process at the school within the deadline.
Checklist: What you need to register
Prepare these documents before you apply for a nursery spot or daycare voucher:
- NIE or TIE card : Your Spanish identification card is required.
- Passport : Valid passports for both parents and the child.
- Family book : The official document registering your child’s birth.
- Padrón certificate : To prove you live in the school’s zone.
- Employment contracts : Proof of work for both parents to claim points.
- Tax returns : Your IRPF declaration to verify family income.
- Vaccination card : The Spanish term is libro de vacunación (vaccination book).
All foreign certificates must have an official translation if they are not in Spanish.
Questions and answers
Are public daycares free in Madrid?
Yes, for tuition. The tuition fee is fully subsidized. However, you must pay around 96 euros per month for school meals.
What is the cheque guardería?
A regional voucher. It is a monthly subsidy to help pay for private daycares. You can apply if you missed out on a public spot.
Can I apply for a public daycare mid-year?
Usually no. Public daycares only accept applications during the official April window. You can only apply mid-year if there are vacant spots.
Do nurseries offer bilingual programs?
Some do. Many private nurseries offer English programs. Public nurseries are taught in Spanish, but some have English classes.
What happens if I do not get a public spot?
You join a waiting list. You can also apply for the daycare check and enroll in a private nursery instead.
What is the school year for daycares in Madrid?
September to July. Public daycares follow the official calendar, closing in August. Some private nurseries remain open all year.
Can non-residents apply for public daycares?
No. You must be a registered resident in Madrid and have a padrón certificate to apply.
What is the maximum age for a guardería?
Three years old. Children must move to early childhood education or primary school in the calendar year they turn three.
