How do nursery and preschool places work in Gibraltar?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Government provides free nursery places at its Lower Primary schools for eligible resident children in the year before Reception, applied for online in the same window as Reception enrolments. For younger children or full-day care, parents use private day nurseries and playgroups, which set their own fees.
Government nursery places
Government nursery classes are attached to the Lower Primary schools: Notre Dame, Governor's Meadow, St Paul's, St Bernard's, St Mary's and St Joseph's. Early Birds Nursery at St Martin's School provides specialist places for children with special educational needs, by referral from health professionals.
Nursery is voluntary and is aimed at children in the year before they start Reception (around age three to four). Places have traditionally been offered as half-day sessions. Government nursery education is free for children who meet the residence requirements.
How to apply
Nursery enrolment runs alongside Reception enrolment, usually opening in February and closing in March, through education.gov.gi. Parents upload the long birth certificate, evidence of residence and a recent utility bill. The Department then confirms the allocation.
Private nurseries and playgroups
For children under nursery age, or for parents needing full working-day care, private nurseries and playgroups fill the gap. Settings are registered with the Department of Education and inspected for accommodation, staffing levels and numbers on roll, with input from the Environmental Agency and City Fire Brigade. Fees are set by each provider and vary with hours and age group, so families should compare directly. Loreto Convent and Talmud Torah also run fee-paying nurseries.
Practical point
Government nursery hours are short and follow school terms, so working parents commonly combine a government nursery session with private wraparound care.

How do nursery and preschool places work in Gibraltar?

Short answer

Detailed answer

Government nursery places

How to apply

Private nurseries and playgroups