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Interview with Rachael West
What is your name, age, where do you live and how long have you lived in St Cugat?
Rachael West, 33, live in Valldoreix, lived in St. Cugat for 7 years.
Do you work, and if so what do you do?
I own a shop (Textura Baby) where I work part time.
What nationality are you and your partner?
I'm English, my husband's Catalan
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
I have 2 children, Arnau is 3, and Alex is 2 (in Dec)
What was your experience of having a baby in St Cugat? (if relevant)
In general very positive, I was happy with all the medical attention I received. On the negative side perhaps everything is TOO controled in general in Spanish hospitals, too much protagonism is given to specialists who are too quick to induce births, advise epidurals, and give caesarians. Whereas in Britain the tendancy is for a more natural approach. Although obviously this is a subject easily open to debate and everybody has their personal opinion.
How well integrated would you say you and your children are?
Totally integrated, especially given that half our family is Catalan.
What language do you speak to your children?
English
What is your impression of childcare and education in St Cugat so far?
Childcare is abundant and of generally very good quality, although expensive. At least in this area I find both parents tend to work and babies are left far too early in childcare. Many parents opt for an inhouse nanny which is a good alternative to nurseries especially in the baby's first 2 years, and very few dedicate themselves to being full time mothers. I think this is a shame but occurs especially in affluent areas of the country where parents can afford to pay for long hours childcare. This definitely seems to be very different from England, but while the education system caters for children from a very young age, parents will always take advantage of it. Definitely one of the main reasons this has occured is because private companies do not offer good alternatives for parents. Working hours remain long, and it is rarely well received for parents to request reduction in hours or part time work. Maternity leave is far too short. While companies are reluctant to offer good alternatives for mothers returning to work, or are not obliged to do so, parents feel obliged to resort to childcare.
How do you rate the amenities available for parents and children in St Cugat?
Fantastic! It's an ideal city to live in with children of any age.
Where you live, how good are facilities for children (shops, restaurants, activities etc)?
Children are very well accepted and catered for in all areas here, the child population is particularly large here and most shops and restaurants have adapted what they offer to meet the demand. There are also numerous shops for children and babies. There are many activities available for children here, I'm very satisfied with the offer.
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in St Cugat?
Advantages: there are many international families around you, and we are not forgotton every year the town council organises a "EUROPE DAY" social event for the international community in Sant Cugat.
Disadvantages: The generally very bad level of English spoken by locals, so if you have just arrived or your Spanish is not yet too good you may feel frustrated.
Is there anything you think would improve children´s lives in St Cugat?
I honestly can't think of anything apart from less school hours and more time with their families, but this happens all over the country and not just in St.Cugat!
What advice would you give for anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to St Cugat with children?
Great! You won't have any problems adapting here as long as you speak a minimum level of Spanish.
What couldn´t you live without in St Cugat?
The general space and green areas all around us. The brilliant train connection with Barcelona.
What could you live without in St Cugat?!
PARKING AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ABSOLUTELY EVERYWHERE especially at school run times!!