For families moving to Asturias with young children, nursery education for ages 0 to 3 can make a big difference to daily life. It affects routines, commuting, work schedules and even the choice of municipality or neighbourhood.
This guide explains how the public nursery network works in Asturias, what to check before applying for a place and why the availability of 0 to 3 education should be part of your decision when choosing where to live.
Admission procedures, dates and available places may change each school year, so always check the current official information from Educastur and the Government of Asturias before making a final decision.
What are Les Escuelines?
They are designed to support early childhood education, family work-life balance and access to basic services for families with young children.
This stage is not compulsory, and access depends on the available places and the official admission process for each school year.
A growing public network
Asturias has been expanding its public nursery network in recent years, with new centres and the integration of municipal nursery schools into the regional public system.
According to information published by the Government of Asturias in June 2026, the public network had 69 centres and 2,172 children enrolled.
Even so, availability is not the same in every municipality. Some areas have more options, while others may have fewer places or require families to consider nearby municipalities.
If you are choosing where to live, it is worth checking whether there is an active nursery school in the municipality, which age groups it serves, how far it is from the home and whether there are realistic alternatives nearby.
How to apply for a place
Applications are usually submitted during the official admission period published for each school year. Families should check the current calendar before preparing their application.
In the official procedure, families submit one application and may list several nursery schools in order of preference. The order matters, so it is worth thinking carefully about the daily routine before choosing.
The application must normally be signed by the child’s legal representatives, unless there is a justified exception according to the rules of the procedure.
Calendar for the 2026-2027 school year
For the 2026-2027 school year, the application period was from 14 to 24 April 2026, and enrolment was scheduled from 25 June to 3 July 2026.
These dates are useful as a reference, but they change each year. Always check the current calendar on Educastur or the official channels of the Government of Asturias.
Common documentation
- Official application form, signed where required.
- Proof of birth or expected birth.
- Family book or documentation proving the family relationship.
- Municipal registration or address documentation, when relevant.
- Work or study documentation, if used for scoring.
- Income information or authorisation, when required.
- Documents proving other circumstances that may be considered in the scoring process.
Not every family will need to provide all documents. The exact requirements depend on the official call and each personal situation.
How places are allocated
When there are more applications than available places, admission is based on the scoring criteria set in the official procedure.
These criteria may include factors such as siblings already enrolled, proximity to the family home or workplace, parents’ work or study situation, family income, large or single-parent families, disability, foster care or other recognised circumstances.
For families moving to Asturias, this means it is important to understand how the chosen address, workplace and family situation may affect the application.
What to check before choosing a municipality or home
Having a nursery school nearby can be a major advantage, but distance alone is not enough. Before choosing a municipality or home, check the real availability of places, daily travel times and backup options.
Real availability of places
Check whether the centre is active for the school year, which age groups it serves, how many places are available and whether demand is usually higher than supply.
In some municipalities there may be a nursery school, but not necessarily enough places for every age group or every family applying.
Daily travel time
Look at the real journey from home, not only the distance on a map. In Asturias, a short distance can feel very different depending on traffic, terrain, weather, parking or whether you need a car.
Schedules and work-life balance
Before choosing an area, ask about the centre’s opening hours, available services, drop-off and pick-up arrangements and how they fit with your work schedule.
This is especially important for families who work shifts, commute, depend on public transport or are trying to combine remote work with childcare.
Educational continuity
It is also worth checking nearby preschool and primary schools, complementary services and what the next step will look like once the child finishes the 0 to 3 stage.
Backup plan
Even if you apply for a public nursery place, it is sensible to consider alternatives: nearby centres, neighbouring municipalities, private nursery schools, family support or temporary childcare solutions.
This is particularly important if you are moving shortly before the start of the school year.
What if you do not get a place?
Not getting a place in your first-choice nursery does not necessarily mean you should rule out a municipality, but it can have a real impact on family organisation.
Check waiting lists and possible changes
After the initial allocation, there may be withdrawals, changes or movement on waiting lists. Check the status of your application with the centre or the relevant administration.
Consider nearby centres
In well-connected areas, using a nursery school in another neighbourhood or nearby municipality may be realistic, especially if it fits with the journey to work.
In rural or mountain areas, distance and travel time may weigh much more in the daily routine.
Compare private or family alternatives
If you need childcare from a specific date, compare the cost and availability of private nursery schools, family support or temporary solutions.
Think before committing to a home
If you have young children or are planning to have them, do not look only at the price of housing. Access to nursery education, schools, healthcare and transport can make daily life much easier or much more complicated.
Frequently asked questions about nursery schools in Asturias
Are public nursery schools for ages 0 to 3 free in Asturias?
The regional public network of Les Escuelines offers free places through the official admission process. However, families should check each year’s call and each centre’s conditions, as services or specific arrangements may vary.
Can I apply if I do not yet live in Asturias?
It depends on the official call and the documentation you can provide. If you are planning to move, check in advance how address, municipal registration or workplace may affect the scoring process.
Can I apply to more than one nursery school?
Yes. The admission process allows families to submit one application and list several nursery schools in order of preference. The order is important, because it is taken into account during allocation.
What if my municipality does not have enough places?
You can look at centres in nearby municipalities, private options or family support. In Asturias, whether an alternative is realistic depends heavily on transport links, work schedules and whether you depend on a car.
Is it better to choose a home near a nursery school?
For families with young children, it can be a clear advantage. Still, it should not be the only factor. Schools, healthcare, transport, playgrounds, work routines and family support also matter.
Where can I check the official information?
Official information is published by Educastur and the Government of Asturias. Before submitting an application, always check the current call for the relevant school year.
Official sources and updates
This guide summarises practical information for families considering a move to Asturias. Admission procedures, calendars, available centres and scoring criteria may change each school year, so always check the current official call before making a decision.
Official sources consulted
- Government of Asturias electronic office: admission procedure for nursery schools for ages 0 to 3.
- Educastur: admission calendar for the 2026-2027 school year.
- Government of Asturias: information on the expansion of the Les Escuelines / As Escolías public network.