Malta’s free childcare boom has a hidden cost

Concerns about the quality of childcare in Malta have been raised by experts, who warn that rapid growth in the sector may have come at a cost.

The issue was raised at Vassallo Group’s 80th anniversary conference, themed ‘Cradle and Career: Easing the Work–Family Squeeze’, where panellists referred to concerns outlined in a recent article by the governance consultant David Spiteri Gingell.

In his article, published in The Malta Independent, Spiteri Gingell argued that Malta’s childcare system was not designed with children in mind.

He said the introduction of free childcare was primarily intended to encourage parents to work or continue their studies, rather than support children’s development.

“The child, in this construction, was the means. The parents’ labour market participation was the end,” he said.

Spiteri Gingell pointed to rapid expansion in the sector, noting that the number of childcare centres increased from 98 in 2016 to 195 by 2023, with more expected to open.

“Childcare became a market opportunity. When the state subsidises demand and keeps entry barriers low, supply follows. Quality did not keep pace with growth,” he said.

70% of inspections found breaches

He also cited findings by the Department for Quality and Standards in Education (DQSE), the regulator responsible for monitoring education standards, which highlighted shortcomings in some centres.

These included children being kept in chairs for long periods, carers with only basic levels of education and high staff turnover.

In a presentation to the Family Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, the DQSE found that 70 per cent of inspections carried out in 2023 identified breaches in carer-to-child ratios – the number of children assigned to each carer.

“Children were being minded, not educated,” Spiteri Gingell said.

Speaking at the conference, associate professor at the University of Malta’s Centre for Labour Studies, Anna Borg, said that “we are not speaking enough about quality” in childcare.

We are not speaking enough about quality in childcare

She described early childhood as the most delicate time for children and said the report contained concerning statistics and that there was a need to stop, reflect, and implement the necessary changes. 

Borg said her recent research also highlighted difficulties in recruiting staff, with low wages cited as a key factor. She noted that many childcare workers are foreign nationals, some of whom do not speak Maltese.

Spiteri Gingell made a similar point, writing: “There are not enough qualified managers and carers to fill the positions required by the regulations. Operators are recruiting from overseas to close the gap.”

During the panel discussion, Malta Chamber head of media and communications strategy Rachel Attard Bondi called for more enforcement to help improve standards. 

Gozo Regional Development Authority CEO, Ivan Falzon said he found it “troublesome” that demand for childcare services remains high despite concerns about quality, adding that many parents feel they have little choice but to use them.

Malta introduced a free childcare scheme in 2014, providing care for children aged three months to three years whose parents are working or studying.

Earlier this year, the government announced a €276 million agreement with childcare service providers to keep services free of charge. It also said that child carers with at least a basic level of Maltese would receive a yearly allowance of €520.

The government and regulatory authorities were not immediately available for comment on the concerns raised.