Efforts to reinforce the haurreskolas network in Bizkaia continue, although the pace does not always align with public expectations. The process of ceding spaces, adapting them, and obtaining the necessary permits for these educational centers to open takes time, especially when European funds are involved and require meticulous justification.
The General Basque Administration has streamlined bureaucracy to expedite these procedures. Consequently, in the coming months, the Department of Education of the Basque Government will see an increase in both the number of haurreskolas and available places in the Bizkaia region. Specifically, it is planned to expand from the current 103 centers to 110, which will allow an increase in school places for children aged 0 to 2 from 3,806 to 3,952.
“"The program is still underway, and we are in constant contact with the city councils."
This strengthening of the haurreskolas network, which has been free since the 2023-2024 academic year, represents a model of inter-institutional collaboration. Municipalities cede spaces and carry out adaptation works, while the Haurreskolak Consortium is responsible for offering places once the centers have the corresponding authorization. In the last three years, Bizkaia has seen a significant increase in capacity, with 368 new places created, many of which are already operational.
The rise in demand, with a 54.2% increase in the number of children attended over the last five years, has been accompanied by a budgetary and organizational reinforcement. The Haurreskolak Consortium has increased its budget by over 34% in the last five years, reaching 85.8 million euros, which has allowed for the expansion of places and improvement in service quality.
“"Ensuring free access to education from the earliest years is not just a social measure. It is a strategic commitment by the Basque Government to equal opportunities. Haurreskolas are a key tool to compensate for inequalities from the beginning of the educational journey."
