The Creche das Fontainhas, located between Alenquer and Carregado, has space for 321 children up to the age of three.

But the opening has been a long time coming.

Although construction was completed around a year ago, the nursery remained closed while the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Alenquer waited for the necessary licences and approvals.

The delays involved several authorities, including Social Security and the platform managing Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Childcare capacity

Construction began in August 2023 on land provided by Alenquer Municipal Council.

The building itself cost approximately €2.8 million, with €2.5 million contributed through the PRR.

Inside, the nursery has 20 rooms, including four dedicated to babies from four months old, eight for younger toddlers and another eight for children aged two to three.

For parents trying to balance work and family life, the additional childcare capacity will be a welcome development.

The Santa Casa da Misericórdia says the new facility is intended to make early childhood care more accessible to families in the municipality.

After a lengthy wait, the nursery is finally ready to welcome its first children.

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