The Conselleria de Educación y Universidades of the Illes Balears announced on 9 September 2026 that it would open administrative proceedings against privately run nurseries and childcare centres (Escoletes) if breaches of the regulations in force are found. The move follows a complaint from the representative organisation Xarxa 0-3, which points to alleged failings at privately run facilities.
According to Xarxa 0-3 and several trade unions, employees at concession-run Escoletes have repeatedly been assigned cleaning and kitchen work, as well as other duties outside their educational remit. The organisation is calling for state funding to be strictly tied to compliance with quality and staffing requirements. The Conselleria confirmed that it had received the reports and said it would exercise its oversight responsibilities rigorously and investigate the allegations.
As the legal basis for inspections and possible penalties, the regional government refers to the Decret 30/2020, which governs the organisation and oversight of early childhood education centres in the Illes Balears. Responsibility for its implementation lies with the services of the Inspecció Educativa. The Instituto per a l'Educació de la Primera Infància has also been designated as responsible for funding instruments and quality requirements within the public and subsidised network.
The dispute over working conditions, collective bargaining and the use of public funds has been simmering for months. Trade unions and the Xarxa are calling for a dedicated collective agreement, more staff and tighter restrictions on how subsidies may be used. At the same time, the Conselleria had announced measures to expand public provision and adjust financial assistance. On 9 September, the department gave no specific figures for the centres affected or possible penalties. It stressed that the process was governed by rules: once the reports submitted had been examined, appropriate action would follow if breaches were confirmed.
The measures could have far-reaching political and organisational consequences. Confirmed shortcomings would affect the allocation of future funding and increase pressure on providers to separate responsibilities and procedures more clearly from non-educational services. For families, the reliability of educational standards is paramount. For employees, the review could help prevent them from being given additional duties unlawfully. The positions attributed to Xarxa 0-3 and the trade unions should be understood as their claims; so far, what can be established is the Conselleria’s announcement that it will open investigations under its existing oversight powers.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).