The information in this section, whilst essentially specific to schools in the Manilva area, is generally applicable to most state schools in the Malaga area, and apart from local differences will give you a guide as to what to expect.

State schools in the Manilva area consist of infant, primary and secondary schools. In Sabinillas the CP (Collegio Publico) de San Luis, located in Calle Maria Zambrano, takes infants (3-5 year-olds) and primary (6 - 11) with the CP Pablo Picasso, located in Calle Ocaña, Manilva offering the same. There is also a newly opened infant school, CP Maicandil which this year took 3 - 5 year olds, and will slowly incorporate primary years as time progresses. Secondary level education (12 years onward) is available at the Instituto Las Vinas in Manilva.

Infant and primary school hours are Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 2.00 pm with a mid-morning break at 11.45 'til 12.15. Secondary school hours are 08.15 to 14.30 Monday to Wednesday and 08.15 to 13.30 on Thursdays and Fridays

The school year is divided into three terms running from mid-September to December; from January to Easter (Semana Santa); Easter to mid-June. See School Calendar

The section below is specific to C.P San Luis in Sabinillas, info on Pablo Picasso, Maicandil and the Institute will be available soon.

Enrolment
Initial enrolment is available from one week before the commencement of a new term (mornings only from 10 am. The school head is available between 9 and 11 am subject to prior appointment made at the school reception office. Documents required: student's passport, date and place of birth, current address and contact telephone number. It is a good idea to have a Certificate of Empadronmiento (See Registering at Town Hall) as, although not required, if places are limited preference will be given to families holding this certificate.

Dress
There is obligatory school uniform at any of the schools in the Manilva catchment, but recently San Luis has introduced a uniform which has been met with a mixed reaction from parents. Parents are asked to use common sense, and to dress their children in clothes suitable for the school environment and of course appropriate to the season. Footwear should be sturdy - many parents send their children in sports shoes suitable for playtime and sports.

Books and materials
The school does not provide students' course books and materials. During the first week of the new course (commencing in September) each student will be given a list of materials and work/reference books to purchase. Up until recently this cost had to be met by the parents, but the Junta de Andalucia now shoulders the cost. You should receive a voucher which covers the cost of reference books (materials still have to be purchased by parents). Students should endeavour to obtain the items listed as soon as possible, but in general it as accepted that this could take a couple of weeks, depending on supply and demand, however, basic materials such as paper, pens and pencils should be taken to school from day one. Economic help is available for families on low incomes and registered on the local empadron (roughly equivalent to the electoral roll in UK). Please ask at the school reception.

Head Teacher and Parent meetings
The Head Teacher (Director) is available between 9 and 11 am. Please arrange a prior appointment through the school reception, if possible.

Class Teacher/Parent Meetings
Parents can meet with class teachers every Monday between 4 and 5 pm. There is no appointment system so be prepared to wait your turn.

Communication Problems
If you have little or no Spanish it would be a good idea to bring an English/Spanish speaking person with you when you initially enrol your child in school.

Foreign Student Communication Problems
New non-Spanish speaking students will be given regular extra Spanish tuition during school hours provided 'Carmen' is not standing in for other staff. Extra-curricula Spanish lessons are available after school.

Integration
Try and encourage your child to play with Spanish-speaking children during school breaks and outside of school hours, the parks and beach are excellent environments. At home invest in a good dictionary and learn words together. Join the local library and borrow books from the easiest level. Show your child you are keen to learn Spanish by enrolling in one of the courses run by the council - details available at the tourist office - after all, you'll want to read notes from school and end of term reports, and enjoy communicating with the staff and teachers at the school. Homework will sometimes require your involvement. Try and project a positive attitude in front of your children. Moving to a new area, not to mention a new country, has its frustrations, and it can sometimes be tempting to lay the blame with the Spanish. Don't forget life presents it's problems wherever you live and if you become negative so will the kids.