Taking the step of looking for your child’s first school is both exciting and challenging. These days, you’ll come across many different types of nurseries, each with their own approach. We know you want the best for your child and making the right choice lays the foundation for their future learning.
From our British school in Madrid, we explain what the most common options are and how they differ, so that you can make a decision with criteria and peace of mind.
Main types of kindergartens and nursery schools
Before selecting the ideal educational centre for your child, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the different models that exist. Each category has distinctive characteristics that define its operation and pedagogical approach. Pre-school education ranges from 0 to 6 years of age and is divided into two cycles: the first up to 3 years of age (nursery or kindergarten) and the second from 3 to 6 years of age.
Public nursery schools: access and standards
Public nursery schools depend on the administration (State or local councils). They offer guarantees of educational quality and comply strictly with regulations. In general, they represent the most economical alternative.
However, the high demand, especially in cities such as Madrid, makes it difficult to get a place, with often long waiting lists.
Private day-care centres: flexibility and specialisation
These centres are managed by companies or private individuals. They provide greater flexibility in timetables, adapting better to the needs of many families. They offer interesting additional services such as a dining room with its own kitchen, extracurricular activities or initiation to other languages.
Although the cost is higher than in the public nursery, this type of nursery has fewer restrictions on access and the ratios of pupils per educator are usually lower. This allows for more individualised attention.
Subsidised day care centres: a mixed model.
They operate through agreements between the public administration and private entities. They try to combine aspects of both models: they offer intermediate prices and allow access to certain public subsidies. On the other hand, places are also limited and access depends on similar scales to those of the public ones. Flexibility of hours or services may not be as wide as in a private institution.
Nursery schools with specific pedagogical projects.
Some nursery schools, mainly private, apply specific educational methodologies that define their pedagogical identity. These methods provide a differential value and attract families interested in specific approaches.
The most recognised methodologies include:
- Montessori: focused on autonomy and self-directed learning.
- Waldorf: holistic approach based on art and creativity.
- Reggio Emilia: learning through experimentation.
- British system: early language immersion and international curriculum.
These infant schools offer clearly defined educational projects that enhance specific skills from an early age.
Keys to choosing the best childcare for your child
The “best” nursery is the one that fits your child’s needs and your family dynamic. Visiting several centres and talking to the people in charge will give you a lot of information. Consider these aspects:
Educational project and pedagogical approach.
Find out how the school understands education. Ask about their philosophy, the values they promote and their daily activities: how do the children learn, what importance do they give to play, autonomy, creativity? Make sure their vision aligns with yours and your child’s specific needs.
Teacher-student ratio and staff qualifications
A low ratio (few children per adult) favours a closer and more personalised attention. This is an important indicator of quality. The educational team should be made up of professionals with degrees in Early Childhood Education, with a vocation and capable of creating a secure emotional bond with the children.
Languages and early language development
If you value language learning, ask about the centre’s approach: do they offer English or other languages? Early language immersion, where the child hears and uses a second language naturally throughout the day, has been shown to have great cognitive benefits and facilitates more natural language acquisition.
International School of Madrid: a superior approach to early childhood education
If you are looking for a private option in Madrid that combines a solid educational project with exceptional care, we invite you to get to know the International School of Madrid. Founded in 1971, our British school has a long and recognised track record of providing an excellent education. We welcome children from 2 to 5 years old in a safe, secure and stimulating environment designed for them.
We apply the highly regarded British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. This approach promotes active learning through play and exploration, respecting each child’s individual pace.
We encourage total immersion in English from the age of two, taking advantage of children’s natural capacity for language acquisition. At the same time, we distinguish ourselves by an exceptionally low adult-pupil ratio (one adult for every four children in Pre-Nursery), which guarantees real individualised attention.
Choosing between the different types of nursery schools is not always easy. However, when you know the options well and know what to value, the path becomes clearer. Think about what you want for your child and opt for an educational environment like the one we offer at the International School of Madrid, where they can grow, learn and develop from their earliest years.
References:
- Comunidad de Madrid. (s.f.). Claves para elegir la escuela infantil de nuestros hijos. https:// comunidad.madrid/servicios/consumo/claves-elegir-escuela-infantil-hijos
- Familiar, Alba. (2024, mayo 14). Tipos de guardería para elegir el próximo centro de tus hijos. Ser Padres. https:// serpadres.es/familia/10446.html
- Neodom. (2024, junio 27). Guarderías en España: cómo inscribir a un niño en la guardería. https:// neodom.es/es/detalle/guarderias-en-espana-como-inscribir-a-un-nino-en-la-guarderia/81446
