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Starting an English nursery school

Starting an English nursery school

Old Feb 7th 2009, 5:51 pm
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Default Starting an English nursery school

Goodness me, I ma so glad I found this site! Reading some of the threads and answers, this seems like an absolute goldmine of information, what a fantastic community!

I do hope you may be able to offer me some advice. My husband and I and our 2 children (3 years and 6 months) are planning to move to the Andalucian area of Spain in about August this year. We would very much like to open up an English speaking nursery school for Spanish or English little ones to attend. My husband is fluent in Spanish and my Spanish is passable. We are both a bit stumped at to where we can find information related to opening a nursery school in Spain. IS there an equivelent of OFSTED in Spain who regulates the schools? What requirements need to be met for a nursery to be legally opened ie. ratio of adults to children, qualifications required by the adults, square meterage necessary per child in the nursery, toileting facilities ie. what is the ratio of toilets to children? How much do Spanish nurseries generally charge per hour/day? Is it legal to live in the same premisis that the nursery is being run from?

I know that this next question is on a slightly seperate thought tangent, but in Spain, is it normal practise to receive junk mail advertising through your door? Just thinking of ways to advertise the nursery and door to door leaflet drops was one of the ideas I had.

I know I am asking a lot of questions, but any little bit of help or advice will be sooooooooo greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Tamara
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Old Feb 7th 2009, 6:30 pm
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

Originally Posted by tamara1975
Goodness me, I ma so glad I found this site! Reading some of the threads and answers, this seems like an absolute goldmine of information, what a fantastic community!

I do hope you may be able to offer me some advice. My husband and I and our 2 children (3 years and 6 months) are planning to move to the Andalucian area of Spain in about August this year. We would very much like to open up an English speaking nursery school for Spanish or English little ones to attend. My husband is fluent in Spanish and my Spanish is passable. We are both a bit stumped at to where we can find information related to opening a nursery school in Spain. IS there an equivelent of OFSTED in Spain who regulates the schools? What requirements need to be met for a nursery to be legally opened ie. ratio of adults to children, qualifications required by the adults, square meterage necessary per child in the nursery, toileting facilities ie. what is the ratio of toilets to children? How much do Spanish nurseries generally charge per hour/day? Is it legal to live in the same premisis that the nursery is being run from?

I know that this next question is on a slightly seperate thought tangent, but in Spain, is it normal practise to receive junk mail advertising through your door? Just thinking of ways to advertise the nursery and door to door leaflet drops was one of the ideas I had.

I know I am asking a lot of questions, but any little bit of help or advice will be sooooooooo greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Tamara
Unless you have done this in the UK i would give up the idea, the legalities and the paperwork would be a nightmare and even worse without experience.
There have been a couple of threads on this before, try a search this forum to find them.
There would be a large cash outlay and the incoming fees would be minimal, so a hard way to make a living.
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Old Feb 7th 2009, 7:25 pm
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

Originally Posted by jdr
Unless you have done this in the UK i would give up the idea, the legalities and the paperwork would be a nightmare and even worse without experience.
There have been a couple of threads on this before, try a search this forum to find them.
There would be a large cash outlay and the incoming fees would be minimal, so a hard way to make a living.
Just in case you thought jdr was a bit brusque (he means well, honestly, and knows a lot more than I do....) a few questions you may ponder over. Would you be aiming at English speaking? Spanish speaking? Both? Hoping to integrate the two in one facility? With which as the lead language? Feeding to what schools? International? English speaking? Spanish state? Costas or inland? I am genuinely interested, not least cos I've got PPA Foundation Course qualification albeit it's a bit of a long while ago!!!! I don't know enough to know what fees you could charge & therefore what 'minimal' might be.....
keep posting, & do run a few searches, they usually turn up a wealth of info.
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Old Feb 7th 2009, 9:46 pm
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

Originally Posted by tamara1975
Goodness me, I ma so glad I found this site! Reading some of the threads and answers, this seems like an absolute goldmine of information, what a fantastic community!

I do hope you may be able to offer me some advice. My husband and I and our 2 children (3 years and 6 months) are planning to move to the Andalucian area of Spain in about August this year. We would very much like to open up an English speaking nursery school for Spanish or English little ones to attend. My husband is fluent in Spanish and my Spanish is passable. We are both a bit stumped at to where we can find information related to opening a nursery school in Spain. IS there an equivelent of OFSTED in Spain who regulates the schools? What requirements need to be met for a nursery to be legally opened ie. ratio of adults to children, qualifications required by the adults, square meterage necessary per child in the nursery, toileting facilities ie. what is the ratio of toilets to children? How much do Spanish nurseries generally charge per hour/day? Is it legal to live in the same premisis that the nursery is being run from?

I know that this next question is on a slightly seperate thought tangent, but in Spain, is it normal practise to receive junk mail advertising through your door? Just thinking of ways to advertise the nursery and door to door leaflet drops was one of the ideas I had.

I know I am asking a lot of questions, but any little bit of help or advice will be sooooooooo greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Tamara
Hi I guess we are both different ends of the spectrum I want to open a place for the elderly and just putting out feelers to see what reponse I get. Me thinks will have to win the lottery. Well good luck in your venture Regards Denise
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Old Feb 8th 2009, 9:13 am
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

I have a Spanish friend who has, not one, but two nurseries, one in Sabadell and the other in Matero.
Some points: First off you'll be better off buying the premises outright as commercial landlords are notorious for raising rents based on THEIR perception of your profits. The building needs to pass all those very strict normatives laid down by health and safety in your particular area (fire retardant paint, 2 fire exits etc) in order to have public liability insurance. And if you're offering lunch, then you have to submit the menu for approval, pass regular food and health inspections, and everyone working must have their Food Handlers Certificate. The local town hall will fill you in on this. You will need at least one full time fully qualified (Spanish qualifications) person, on full time contract. Keep in mind that you'll be paying the Social Security of everyone who works there, plus yourselves. There is a minimum ratio of kids/carers, but you don't have to worry about this at the beginning, as it does take quite some time to get new parents.
Recently a number of nurseries along the Costas were shut down, with their owners being given very heavy fines, for running what were essentially, clandestine businesses.
To kind of echo JDR, you'll need to have a sizable amount of pasta, as getting any project (and more especially one that deals with children) off the ground does take a long time. And that's before you open the doors. Once open, expect to sit on your hands for some time until you have enough kids to cover your costs. Of course you can advertise, but most business (and more especially one involving little ones) comes from word of mouth.
Price wise, my little mighty atom went to Kindergarten here in Gandia, and we paid 280E per/month including lunch.
My friends businesses run very well, but it probably didn't hinder that she has a very good connection....The King! (they are related). But she tells me that due to the "Crisis", all parents are looking for ways to cut back on costs.
Por fin you'll need to get yourselves over here, research first hand, and allow 6 months to 1 year to get things off the ground.
Good Luck!
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Old Feb 8th 2009, 12:22 pm
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

Hi Tamara,

I am a qualified nursery nurse with 35 years childcare experience. The idea of opening a nursery sounds ok, but, you would need to be in an area with plenty of young British expats to rely on numbers. An area of mostly retired expats will not be much good to you, so research your area well.

In Ayamonte, there are already a number of preschool establishments private and public. A very good one near the large shopping centre. My friends child went there and was very happy. The building was well built with good equipment and friendly Spanish staff.

The red tape here re registration, will be lengthy and time comsuming. Obviously it has to be considering the type of facility.

I know of other childcare workers over here that would most probably jump at the chance of working for you.

I wish you well if you do persue this venture, but I don't think it will be easy.

best regards
Sue
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Old Feb 12th 2009, 11:59 am
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

Thank you so much to all of you for your replies. I really do appreciate all the information and advice you have given me. My husband and I are lucky enough to have his parents living in Spain who are Spanish and French, so we will have rent-free accommodation for the first 6 months at least. His parents are very ggod friends witha local school headmaster and also an accountant who specialises in paperwork required to start a new business, so we are really lucky in the respect that we will have a lot of inforamation available to us.

Sue, I really am glad that you replied to my thread saying that you knew of quite a few people who you could recommend to work for us, I have no doubt I will be contacting you again in the future for contact details if that is alright with you.

Our plan is to go to Spain in March for a week and visit a few towns that we have in mind to move to and set up in and then narrow it down to which ever one we like most; taking into consideration which will also offer the greatest business opportunity.

As I said earlier, my husband is fluent is in English and Spanish, English being his first language, and my Spanish is quite passable, though I would not consider myself fluent. For this reason,we are hoping to move to a predominently Spanish area with very few expats.

I am sure that I will have more questions to post very soon and thank you in advance for all the help.
Take good care,
Tamara
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Old Feb 12th 2009, 3:05 pm
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

On the coast from estepona to fuengirola there are a shortage of day nurseries. I pay 460 euro a month for one child, in La Cala. Good idea and good luck.
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Old Feb 12th 2009, 5:00 pm
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

Hi Tamara,

It sounds like you and your husband have alot of help and a support network which is vital in the begining. I really hope it works out for you. It would be nice to hear of a success story. Keep us posted with how things go.

best regards
Sue
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Old Apr 18th 2009, 10:12 pm
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

I have an english friend who has an english nursery for sale in Andalucia (not expat). It is well established and has been functioning for many years. Let me know if you would like to make contact.

Last edited by angela stubbs; Apr 18th 2009 at 10:22 pm. Reason: additional information
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Old Apr 19th 2009, 1:30 pm
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

Originally Posted by tamara1975
Thank you so much to all of you for your replies. I really do appreciate all the information and advice you have given me. My husband and I are lucky enough to have his parents living in Spain who are Spanish and French, so we will have rent-free accommodation for the first 6 months at least. His parents are very ggod friends witha local school headmaster and also an accountant who specialises in paperwork required to start a new business, so we are really lucky in the respect that we will have a lot of inforamation available to us.

Sue, I really am glad that you replied to my thread saying that you knew of quite a few people who you could recommend to work for us, I have no doubt I will be contacting you again in the future for contact details if that is alright with you.

Our plan is to go to Spain in March for a week and visit a few towns that we have in mind to move to and set up in and then narrow it down to which ever one we like most; taking into consideration which will also offer the greatest business opportunity.

As I said earlier, my husband is fluent is in English and Spanish, English being his first language, and my Spanish is quite passable, though I would not consider myself fluent. For this reason,we are hoping to move to a predominently Spanish area with very few expats.

I am sure that I will have more questions to post very soon and thank you in advance for all the help.
Take good care,
Tamara
I find that remarkable, French and Spanish parents and English is his first language! How did he manage that
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Old Apr 19th 2009, 5:28 pm
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

Originally Posted by jackytoo
I find that remarkable, French and Spanish parents and English is his first language! How did he manage that
He was probably brought up in the UK, so English is a must.
My parents had to learn English pretty sharpish when they went to England, because you would not get far with Spanish only.
My brother lived in Spain as a toddler and spoke only Spanish but English soon became his first/main language. I have not heard him speak Spanish for about 30 years and he has not taught his children either (much to his wifes disgust). The only thing Spanish about him is his name.
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Old Apr 19th 2009, 8:39 pm
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

First language well you live and learn, I suppose
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Old Apr 19th 2009, 9:38 pm
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

Originally Posted by tamara1975
Goodness me, I ma so glad I found this site! Reading some of the threads and answers, this seems like an absolute goldmine of information, what a fantastic community!

I do hope you may be able to offer me some advice. My husband and I and our 2 children (3 years and 6 months) are planning to move to the Andalucian area of Spain in about August this year. We would very much like to open up an English speaking nursery school for Spanish or English little ones to attend. My husband is fluent in Spanish and my Spanish is passable. We are both a bit stumped at to where we can find information related to opening a nursery school in Spain. IS there an equivelent of OFSTED in Spain who regulates the schools? What requirements need to be met for a nursery to be legally opened ie. ratio of adults to children, qualifications required by the adults, square meterage necessary per child in the nursery, toileting facilities ie. what is the ratio of toilets to children? How much do Spanish nurseries generally charge per hour/day? Is it legal to live in the same premisis that the nursery is being run from?

I know that this next question is on a slightly seperate thought tangent, but in Spain, is it normal practise to receive junk mail advertising through your door? Just thinking of ways to advertise the nursery and door to door leaflet drops was one of the ideas I had.

I know I am asking a lot of questions, but any little bit of help or advice will be sooooooooo greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Tamara
If you pm me I can give you some information regarding a Nursery business for sale.
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Old Apr 20th 2009, 10:56 am
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Default Re: Starting an English nursery school

Originally Posted by tamara1975
Thank you so much to all of you for your replies. I really do appreciate all the information and advice you have given me. My husband and I are lucky enough to have his parents living in Spain who are Spanish and French, so we will have rent-free accommodation for the first 6 months at least. His parents are very ggod friends witha local school headmaster and also an accountant who specialises in paperwork required to start a new business, so we are really lucky in the respect that we will have a lot of inforamation available to us.

Sue, I really am glad that you replied to my thread saying that you knew of quite a few people who you could recommend to work for us, I have no doubt I will be contacting you again in the future for contact details if that is alright with you.

Our plan is to go to Spain in March for a week and visit a few towns that we have in mind to move to and set up in and then narrow it down to which ever one we like most; taking into consideration which will also offer the greatest business opportunity.

As I said earlier, my husband is fluent is in English and Spanish, English being his first language, and my Spanish is quite passable, though I would not consider myself fluent. For this reason,we are hoping to move to a predominently Spanish area with very few expats.

I am sure that I will have more questions to post very soon and thank you in advance for all the help.
Take good care,
Tamara
Hi Tamara

I hope you had a successful scoping trip - a good area is between Estepona and La linea as you have a lot of young professionals who need childcare - my son goes to a private spanish nursery in estepona and it has a really long waiting list and so many children just cant get nursery places. There is a nursery school in sotogrande but that only takes children from 2 years old and a lot of mothers need to return to work much sooner - I had to return after only 3 months and had to use a Gibraltar nursery as there was no alternative for me at the time.

good luck with your venture
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