School options for our 5 year old

Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 2:17pm

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Joined: 14 May 2023

Hi all,

We are very much looking forward to a first step in moving to the area later this year.
I’ve spent the vast majority of today scrolling through forums and although exceptionally helpful I can’t pin point the exact info I’m researching.

After a number of smaller trips, We will be test driving a permanent move to Spain this sept/October with our daughter who would have just turned 5 at that point.
Residency is not an issue via an Irish passport, we will be looking to rent over the winter period for 6 months around the areas of Benitachell/Javea, possibly towards Denia before securing a long term purchase -Her schooling will be a one of the key factors on where we rent/settle.

My research so far indicates many of the non private schools local schools in the area I’d be hopeful for her to attend would only accept her from age 6 onwards, is my understanding correct?

If anyone has any knowledge or direct experience on this I’d be really grateful if you could share.

Thank you

Natasha

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Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 3:16pm

marcliff

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Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 3:16pm

Children normally attend lead up school from age 3 to 6 when they enter Primary School from 6 to 11. The 3 to 6 age is not compulsory and will depend on any vacancies the school may have so 6 would be the age in which to start.

Indeed, this region is now going to introduce pre lead up school from age 0 to 3 but, again, will depend on vacancies.

Your child cannot enter Primary school at age 5 but you could see if there are any vacancies for that age in lead up school. But be prepared to wait until they are aged 6 and also remember they will not accept children unless they are fully vaccinated with the records card but the school will be able to tell you what are required.

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Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 3:19pm

Swimmer57

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Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 3:19pm

Compulsory schooling starts at age 6, and she'll be taught in Valenciano with some Castillano (if your school is in Valencia province). There are pre schools from age 3-6, I don't know if children can attend part time. If you want her taught in English, then you will have to opt for one of the private international schools (and pay for it).

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Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 4:10pm

Tash79

Original Poster

Posts: 3

Location: Javea / Xàbia

Joined: 14 May 2023

Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 4:10pm

marcliff wrote on Fri Apr 19, 2024 3:16pm:
Children normally attend lead up school from age 3 to 6 when they enter Primary School from 6 to 11. The 3 to 6 age is not compulsory and will depend on any vacancies the school may have so 6 would be the age in which to start.
Indeed, this region is now going to introduce pre lead up school from age 0 to 3 but, again, will depend on vacancies....

Read more...

...
Your child cannot enter Primary school at age 5 but you could see if there are any vacancies for that age in lead up school. But be prepared to wait until they are aged 6 and also remember they will not accept children unless they are fully vaccinated with the records card but the school will be able to tell you what are required.

That’s great, Thankyou- good to know that my instincts were right on lead up school places were not guaranteed.

Would it be right to assume there are private Spanish/local dialect speaking pre school settings available for that 3-6 age range similar to a U.K. preschool/ nursery other than the 2 private international schools in the area.

If any recommendations would be very welcome.
I’ve found some information on Waldorf Montgo preschool setting but ideally would like to be reassured there is more choice for our daughter to continue in education setting before attending primary at 6.

Thanks for your help again

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Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 4:13pm

Tash79

Original Poster

Posts: 3

Location: Javea / Xàbia

Joined: 14 May 2023

Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 4:13pm

Swimmer57 wrote on Fri Apr 19, 2024 3:19pm:
Compulsory schooling starts at age 6, and she'll be taught in Valenciano with some Castillano (if your school is in Valencia province). There are pre schools from age 3-6, I don't know if children can attend part time. If you want her taught in English, then you will have to opt for one of the pr...

Read more...

...ivate international schools (and pay for it).

Hi,

Thankyou, I’d welcome her being taught in Catalan/Valencian rather than a private school setting.

Any recommendations in the area would be greatly appreciated?

I’ve found some information on Waldorf Montgo but to know we have some more good options which may be more in line with lead up to primary school education style would be re-assuring.

Thanks again