Barcelona’s network of municipal child-rearing spaces for families is being expanded during the 2022-2023 academic year, with an additional five municipal facilities offering this service and bringing the total number up to 23. These new family spaces mean the network is now operating in all city districts, covering the demand in Horta-Guinardó, the only district without the service until now.

The following municipal child-rearing spaces have been opened up to families for the 2022-2023 school year:

• Horta-Guinardó: one in the neighbourhood of Horta and another in El Carmel.
• Nou Barris: one in the neighbourhood of Trinitat Nova and another in Porta.
• Sant Andreu: one in the neighbourhood of El Congrés. Another is due to open in the neighbourhood of Els Indians in January.

This public service offers support, assistance and guidance for families with children up to the age of three. The service operates out of various types of local municipal facilities: nursery schools, community centres and neighbourhood centres. There are currently 1,200 places available, 410 of which correspond to groups for families with babies up to the age of one.

The network also includes a socio-educational dimension, currently offered at four locations. This includes socio-educational action with tailored support for families at social risk and attended to by Social Services. Those receiving this support may account for up to a third of users.

Promoted as part of the Early Childhood Education and Upbringing Plan, Barcelona’s municipal network of child-rearing spaces for families offers an ideal educational and upbringing space to cover children and their families’ need for ties and interaction in early childhood.