Santa Cruz de Tenerife Eliminates Nursery Fees

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has decided to stop charging fees for its city-run nurseries. This marks a big step in local support for families and young children's education. The change became official on March 6, 2026, when it was published in the Official Gazette of the Province (BOP). This means a service that used to cost families will now be free.

By doing this, the city government aims to remove financial obstacles for families wanting to use public childcare and education services. Scrapping the old rules that allowed fees to be charged shows a shift towards a more accessible system that better meets the public's needs.

Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez said this is a crucial step to help people balance work and family life. He explained that the goal is to make the service work better for parents who need to juggle their jobs and family duties. Bermúdez also stressed the city's ongoing commitment to ensuring these schools play a vital role in children's social development from a very young age.

Charín González, the Councillor for Social Policies, Education, and Youth, explained that this decision is part of a wider plan to improve the network of early childhood education centers. She believes removing the fee rule will help create a more flexible management system, better suited to today's public policies. González highlighted that these centers serve a dual purpose: they are not just for education but also a key support for families.

In short, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council is strengthening its commitment to improving educational and social services for young children, making sure that money doesn't get in the way of families' well-being in the city.