The Free Childcare Scheme in Malta was introduced to support families by helping parents balance work, education, and family life. Through this government initiative, eligible families can receive free childcare services for their children at licensed childcare centres such as Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre.
For many parents, the scheme makes it easier to return to work or continue their education while ensuring their child is cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.
Who Is Eligible?
Children whose parents are in work or in education can benefit from the scheme:
- Parents in work: both parents or guardians are in work, or a single mother, father or guardian is in work and paying social security contributions.
- Parents in education: both parents or guardians are in education leading to a recognised diploma or degree, or a single mother, father or guardian is in education.
What Ages Does the Scheme Cover?
The scheme covers children from three months of age until they become eligible to enrol in Kindergarten 1. At that point, free childcare ends.
How the Hours Work
- Free hours are calculated pro rata to the mother’s employment hours (or the single father’s).
- Please book only the hours you genuinely need. For overtime or unforeseen circumstances, the Government pays for up to 10% more than your booked hours if you use them.
- Any hours beyond this 10% allowance are extra hours, paid directly to the centre at our hourly rate.
- Changes to your hours or days must be given one month in advance, in line with the Government deadline. We share this date in our newsletter.
Absences and Sick Leave
- If your child is sick for more than three days, a medical certificate is needed before they return.
- There is a monthly absence allowance of 10% of your booked hours. For example, with a 100-hour monthly package, your child needs to attend at least 90 hours.
- An additional yearly absence allowance of 15% of booked hours also applies.
Other Things to Know
- The Government continues to pay for free childcare while the mother is on maternity leave. Free childcare is not extended to parental leave.
- Parents can choose either free childcare or the childcare tax rebate.
- You can use free childcare at any centre of your choice that takes part in the scheme.
- To end your child’s place, please give the centre one month’s notice.
These are the scheme conditions as set out in our Parent Handbook. The Free Childcare Scheme is run by Jobsplus, which may update its rules, so please ask our team if anything is unclear.
Staying in Communication With the Centre
If there are any changes in working hours, study commitments, or childcare needs, parents should inform their childcare provider as soon as possible.
This allows the centre to adjust schedules and ensure that the correct number of hours is registered under the government scheme.
Why the Scheme Is Important for Families
The Free Childcare Scheme has made a significant difference for many families in Malta. By reducing childcare costs, it allows parents to:
- return to work with peace of mind
- continue their education
- support their family financially
- ensure their children are cared for in a safe learning environment
At the same time, children benefit from early learning experiences that support their development, social skills, and confidence.
Stepping Stones and the Free Childcare Scheme
Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre proudly participates in the Malta Free Childcare Scheme, helping families access high-quality childcare while benefiting from government support.
Our team works closely with parents to guide them through the process and ensure they understand how the scheme works.
If you would like more information about the scheme or how to register your child at one of our centres, our team will be happy to assist you.
