thank you both for that, got really excited last night thinking i might be able to register the kids in schools but even with a NIE i don't think i will be able to as i would imagine i would need a spanish address which i will not have until i move there. I will apply for a NIE from the spanish consulate before i leave, my children are not very patient 1 queue down will be worth it, thank you so much for your help, you might see us in a couple of weeks we will be the pasty face family with a dream in our eyes, thank you chris