You�ve seen the TV programmes.
You�ve been to all the property shows advertised on TV.
You�ve decided to give up the job, sell the house and move to Spain!�� but what about the kids?
Yes, like you they fancy life in Spain - after all, the holidays are great, all that sun, all that swimming, all that doing what you want!
Unfortunately for most people, living here means working here and if you are between 3 and 18 that could mean school Monday to Friday just like in the UK!

Although your children are likely to learn the language much more quickly than you and make friends easily, they are the ones who will hate to be leaving their friends in the UK, be dreading going to a new school and be worried that �everything will be different�.

If possible it is really worth putting as much thought and care into the type of school you want for your children as you have done sorting out where you want to live and work.
The move away from their friends will be less traumatic if they have seen the school they are going to attend and have met some of the teachers before the final move from the UK.
Having been involved in education for many years in Spain I have noticed that youngsters who have visited a school, maybe as part of a family holiday, look and feel much happier on their first �proper� day.

However before that day arrives decisions need to be made. The very first thing you need to decide is the type of education you want for your children. This will depend upon their age and level they have reached in the UK.

Generally speaking the younger the child the more easily they will integrate into the Spanish system and could attend a Spanish state school successfully.
Non - Spanish children can only attend a state Spanish school if they have been registered at the local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento).

Spain has state run �pre schools� which are voluntary. They provide a social and learning environment in two stages, for children between one and three and then for between four and six. Here they will learn to develop physical and social skills and emphasis is placed upon the development of personality.
Education in the Spanish state system is free, provided you are legally registered at the town hall.
Similar to the UK, places at these kindergartens are over subscribed and therefore limited. You cannot always be sure that there is a place available. A visit to the local kindergarten will clarify the enrolment situation.

There are many private Kindergartens that cater for English and Spanish children as well as many other nationalities throughout the popular �ex-pat� areas. The language of communication is mainly in English. These obviously cost money and vary in the services they offer. Some provide just a morning playgroup and meeting place for mums and their children, whilst others offer a more educational experience and can be open from 8am to 8pm or later to cater for the working parents.
In addition to educational play they will provide meals and a babysitting service if required. These establishments can be quite expensive and it is important that they are visited before a final decision is made.
It is certainly worth noting the length of time they have been in existence and checking they have all the correct papers. Over the years some places have opened and then been closed down because of illegalities, overcrowding, or poor health and safety practices.

Compulsory education begins at six, equivalent to the UK primary school, where education is more formal and the subjects such as Maths, Science, Geography, History, Reading, Spanish Literature, Physical Education and Art are taught.
Many Spanish schools in popular �ex � pat� areas are experienced in dealing with foreign students and are quite prepared for the initial language difficulty. However in some inland areas this may not be so and your child could be the only foreign student in the class and will have to �sink or swim�. Only you as parents will know how your child would cope with this situation.

The advantage of a Spanish education means that your son/ daughter will be fluent in a foreign language; they will develop friendships with children in their community (not just the ex -pat community). They will integrate fully into the Spanish culture. They are also extremely useful to act as interpreters for you!
On the minus side, class sizes tend to be quite large (and perhaps a little noisier). As parents you are expected to buy all materials and text books that your child will need; lists are provided and your child is expected to be equipped on the first day of term.

If the Spanish system doesn�t appeal to you or you would like your children to �carry on where they left off� there are many private primary schools available. Some are part of an International School where the age range is from 3 to 18 years, whilst others are smaller and offer an infant and primary education from the age of 4/5 to 11.
Both these types of school usually follow the UK system with Infants, Key Stage 1 and 2..

The advantage of the private international system is that your child can continue with the work that they are familiar with and be taught in English. They will mix with many different nationalities but the language of communication will be English, however they will become involved with many different cultures in addition to Spanish. Class sizes are usually much smaller than those in the State system.
The main disadvantage is that it is quite expensive, although compared to private schools in England it is cheaper. You are expected to pay for all materials and books. Also, some of these schools are owned by individuals who may or may not have an educational background.

In this article I have covered the choices available for young children and hope it has been useful.
It is not unusual for foreign children to attend Spanish school until they are eleven and then change systems and attend an International school for the next stage of their school life. In my next article I will cover the options available for the 11 to 18 age group.