Amigos dos Pequeninos: Nursery, Pre-school and After-school Centre in Silves
Non-profit charity (IPSS) since 1951 · Children from 4 months to 12 years · 7:45 am to 7:00 pm
What is Amigos dos Pequeninos?
Amigos dos Pequeninos, in Silves, is a non-profit institution of public interest whose core aim is to promote each child's personal and social development, working across all areas of development so that the child can take a full part in society as an autonomous, free and caring person, with a focus on education for citizenship.
Founded in December 1951, our institution has been supporting families in the region ever since, offering high-quality services for children and young people.
Discover our history
What services do we offer, and for which ages?
Nursery (Creche)
Care and all-round development in a safe and stimulating environment.
Pre-school (Jardim de Infância)
Pre-school education centred on each child and their needs.
After-school (C.A.T.L.)
Recreational, cultural and sports activities outside school hours.
Early Intervention (I.P.I.)
Early Childhood Intervention: a completely free service.
UTOPIA Project: mental health care in Silves
Two continuing mental health care residences, one for adults and one for children and adolescents, plus a consultation office open to the community. Under construction in the UTOPIA Building, in Enxerim, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
The project has its own website (in Portuguese), with the types of residence, the referral pathway, funding transparency and contact details.
Discover the UTOPIA ProjectMission, Vision and Values
Mission
Our mission is centred on children and families. Above all, we promote each child's personal and social development, encouraging behaviours that support meaningful learning, while respecting each child's own pace and abilities.
Vision
To remain a leading educational institution, recognised for innovative teaching practices and as an active force in building a community that takes greater responsibility for sustainability.
Values
Our services are built on ethical values, social responsibility, good management, quality, safety, affection and discipline. Our teamwork puts the child and their family first at all times.
What extracurricular activities do the children enjoy?
What families ask us most
From what age do you accept children?
The Nursery (Creche) accepts children from 4 months up to 3 years old. The Pre-school (Jardim de Infância) welcomes children aged 3 to 6, the after-school centre (C.A.T.L.) is for school-age children from 6 years old, and Early Childhood Intervention (I.P.I.) supports children aged 0 to 6.
See all our services →What are your opening hours?
The institution is open from 7:45 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays for the Nursery, the Pre-school and the C.A.T.L. The Early Childhood Intervention team works from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. The office is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm until the 10th of each month; after that date, it works by appointment.
Contacts and opening hours →How do I enrol my child at the nursery or pre-school in Silves?
Enrolment is done online through the Amigos dos Pequeninos enrolment platform at app.amigosdospequeninos.com/matriculas. You fill in the details of the child and of the parent or guardian, upload the documents (or hand them in at the office), and our team reviews the application and contacts you with the next steps. You can also start the process in person at our office in Largo 1.º de Maio, Silves.
See the enrolment process →How much are the monthly fees for the nursery or pre-school?
There is no single fee. As an IPSS with a cooperation agreement with the State, the family contribution is calculated according to the household's income per person, under the rules that apply to IPSS institutions. To find out the amount in your case, hand in your proof of income and IRS tax return at our office or call 282 440 120.
Ask our office for an estimate →Is there a charge for Early Childhood Intervention?
No. I.P.I. Bem Crescer is completely free for families, because it is part of SNIPI, the National Early Childhood Intervention System (Sistema Nacional de Intervenção Precoce na Infância).
Learn more about I.P.I. →Where is Amigos dos Pequeninos located?
We are at Largo 1.º de Maio, 8300-116 Silves, in the Algarve. Our phone number is 282 440 120 and our email is secretaria@amigosdospequeninos.com.
See address and map →