MOVING TO JAVEA WITH CHILDREN

Moving to Javea with children is a great idea. Children can have a wonderful childhood in Javea. The advantages of a childhood in Javea are numerous and the negatives few. Medical facilities and paediatricians are available both private and health service. Also children's dentists.

Parents have to be aware that with the absence of public transport they may at times feel they are a taxi service, having to ferry their offspring to enjoy all the facilities on offer. Depending where you live, there is some school transport.

The younger they are when moving obviously the better as far as easier integration into the education system.

There are local public schools in the Old Town, the Port and the Arenal Beach area for pre-school and primary education to the age of 11. Then there are two secondary schools, called "institutos". One in the Port and the other in the Old Town. Formal education begins at 6 years of age but they can start preschool at 3 years of age.

The language in use in all public schools is VALENCIANO NOT SPANISH

There are several Internationañ schools. Two well known and popular ones are XIC - Xabia International College in Javea and LES Lady Elizabeth School in nearby Cumbre del Sol. Both offer pre-school to A Level.

Children can continue further education either in Spain or in their home country.

Obviously, moving to Javea with older children can be more problematic if they are of a secondary school level and could prove difficult.

Parents not intending to stay permanently and who intend returning to their home country will have to think hard about enrolling their children in local Spanish schools as all their education will be in Valenciano not even Castilian.

When it comes to sporting and leisure activities the opportunities are many and varied, from dancing and gymnastics to tennis, football, horse riding and sailing and everything else you can think of. Maybe go-karting. In Javea all children are encouraged to participate in sport and activity groups and success is celebrated. Learn to play tennis from experienced, and often famous, tennis players. Join the football and athletics clubs. Take up dancing and performing arts. There are well established horse riding centres within easy reach.

There are many parks with informal play areas throughout Javea.

And then there is the School of Music between the Old Town and the Port. An introduction to all kinds of music and instruments which can continue from basic to really advanced as they progress.

And don't forget the lovely sandy beach where many children choose to have their birthday parties.

Javea's many festivals throughout the year often include a special children's day. They could be lucky enough to be included as a chess piece in the live chess event held in Javea Port.

All in all, children seem to have the best of all worlds in Javea - safe and free from the stress of many other places. A place to enjoy growing up in.