PN urges reforms to childcare sector amid concerns over staff ratios and conditions
The Nationalist Party has called for improvements to childcare centres in Malta following a government-issued report that found irregularities in 70% of inspections carried out in 2023, particularly in relation to staff-to-child ratios in childcare centres.
In a statement, the PN acknowledged that the introduction of childcare centres had been, and remains, a positive development for Maltese society and the economy, particularly in enabling more parents, especially women, to enter the workforce.
At the same time, however, the PN said it could not ignore concerns raised by a recent report published by the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education, as well as comments made in the media and by experts regarding the functioning of these centres.
The PN said that some experts have warned that Malta’s childcare system may be structured more around increasing labour market participation than prioritising the interests and development of children.
According to the government report, 70% of inspections carried out in 2023 identified various irregularities, particularly in relation to the required ratio of carers assigned to children attending these centres.
Other issues highlighted included children being kept seated for extended periods, carers possessing only basic levels of education, and a high turnover of staff within childcare facilities, the PN said.
The PN said that parents should have peace of mind that their children are in a safe and suitable environment, cared for by properly trained workers and receiving the attention they require.
The party stressed that this is particularly important in the case of very young children, including infants as young as three months (12 weeks), who may be placed in such centres.
The PN called for both stricter enforcement of existing policies and improvements in standards, including better infrastructure and enhanced staff training.
The party said that childcare centres should offer larger, more open spaces and a higher quality of service, supported by adequately trained personnel.
It also reiterated a number of proposals it has previously put forward for the sector.
These include increased financial assistance to enable investment in infrastructure and raise standards in buildings and facilities, particularly for new childcare centre applications.
The PN also proposed that, while incentives should be provided for current employees to continue their studies and obtain higher qualifications, the training required to work in childcare centres should be more comprehensive.
The party further said that some centres do not currently cater for children with neurodiverse experiences, and that financial support and specialised training should be introduced to ensure that such children can also be accommodated.
Another proposal put forward by the PN is that parents who choose to remain at home with their children, rather than sending them to childcare centres, should receive the payment directly.
The PN proposed a full year’s payment for parents who opt to stay with their children.
In addition, the PN said that financial incentives should be introduced for companies to establish childcare centres within the workplace, or for smaller businesses to collaborate in setting up shared facilities.
The party said it remains committed to strengthening childcare services, describing the sector as an investment in the wellbeing of children in Malta and Gozo and, ultimately, in the country’s future.
The statement was signed by PN spokesperson for Neurodiversity and Child Protection Albert Buttigieg.
RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta PN urges reforms to childcare sector amid concerns over staff ratios and conditions