The children have all now returned to school, while for some this is their first educational experience. The new term started in the children’s community centres in both Almunecar and La Herradura with a total of 186 new students, aged from zero to three years, spread across eleven classes and half a dozen centres, according to the head of Social Welfare, Maria del Carmen Reinoso.

Ms. Reinoso also recognised the hard work of teachers and caregivers, who take care of these youngsters during their first term.

The Mayoress has praised the work done by the Almunecar maintenance workers who, in the days prior to the return, sorted out minor problems and general maintenance at the eleven locations that are shared by the six centres. Four are located in Reina Sofia (Paloma), two in La Herradura and La Carrera, while Los Marinos, San Miguel and Torrecuevas each  has a centre.

“The most exciting works are the provision of a kitchen at the centre in Torrecuevas; there are very few centres that can boast their own kitchen, and also the  reconditioning of classrooms with new materials,” said Maria del Carmen Reinoso.

The centres are open from 07.30 until 17.00 hours in order to meet the requirements of families who have work commitments and a lunch service for the children is also included.

Applications for places at these state run nurseries were taken before the summer and allocations done on a first come first serve basis, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Families pay for childcare based on the income they have, according to a scale set by the Junta de Andalucia.

(News Almunecar/Herradura, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)