Parents in the Canary Islands are facing uncertainty as they await final admissions lists for early years schools managed by the Department of Social Welfare. With the new term set to begin shortly, many are left wondering whether their children will secure a place.
One concerned father explained that he submitted an application for his daughter but is still waiting for a definitive response. The provisional lists were released in July, and the period for appeals closed on July 15. He highlights that the official guidelines state that decisions regarding appeals should be communicated within five working days, yet nearly a month later, no final lists have been published.
The Department of Social Welfare recently announced it would keep a “temporary” classroom open at the Las Folías and Anaga schools, both of which are facing administrative closure. Parents are frustrated by the situation; one dad stressed that it severely impacts the ability of many families to balance work and childcare.
Nazaret Alonso, chair of the school’s staff committee, echoed these concerns, indicating that the continuous delays feed into a broader narrative of dismantling public schooling. She expressed frustration that with the lack of definitive lists, many families might have to seek private alternatives.
Notices at one school indicate that the publication of final lists has been postponed indefinitely, with a message stating operations would return on September 2. However, staff will start before pupils, leading to further organisational uncertainties.
Alonso also pointed out that the closure of the Las Folías and Anaga schools affects staff arrangements, highlighting the need for the educational services to be conveniently located in local communities. Residents of the Zárate area previously organised to save their local school from closure, even gathering signatures to support their cause.
The Department of Social Welfare has been approached for comment on the delays in publishing the final admissions lists but has not yet responded.
