Who we are

Who We Are

Welcome to the Child Educare Services of the University of Malta. We are dedicated to providing your little ones with the love, care and professionalism they deserve. Our comprehensive services are meticulously designed to support the holistic development of each child in an inclusive and equitable manner.

 

 

The Child Educare Services of the University of Malta endeavour to provide a safe and healthy environment in which children grow holistically. The staff, in collaboration with parents and other stakeholders, is committed to ensure a creative environment conducive to learning through play and to instil in children an inquisitive attitude and love for learning.

At the Child Educare Services, we embrace the Early Years Outcomes Framework which is based on the National Curriculum Framework for All 2012 (NCF 2012) as the foundation for our educational approach. The Learning Outcomes Framework that emerged from the NCF provides a structured yet flexible guide to early childhood education. It allows educators to set clear expectations for the developmental stages of children, fostering a comprehensive understanding of their progress in a non-linear way, recognising that children develop at different rates and that learning is an ongoing process. Therefore concepts or skills may need to be revisited or reinforced from time to time according to children's development in thinking and understanding. 

 

  • Children are acknowledged as active participants in their learning and we strive to act as a springboard for their learning by creating an environment that facilitates the child’s learning and educational experience whilst at the same time offering them an opportunity to make their voice heard and to contribute to the direction of the daily activities.
  • The emergent curriculum is an educational approach where learning experiences are tailor made for the children’s specific interests, needs and developmental stages whilst also giving space for the child’s individual curiosity and self-guided exploration.
  • Outdoor learning and involvement with the environment is very important for us and we embrace the outdoor space as an alternative, yet complementary space to the indoor environment. Children are encouraged to connect with nature and to develop a respect for it. Outdoor learning not only promotes physical health but also enhances cognitive development, creativity, and a sense of wonder.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for a child's development. We encourage children to question, explore, and find solutions to real-life challenges. Our goal is to instil in them the confidence to tackle problems with creativity and resilience, preparing them for a future where adaptability and resourcefulness are invaluable traits.
  • We understand that collaboration with parents and guardians is fundamental to a child's success. Your insights and feedback are highly valued and play a crucial role in shaping our programs and services. We invite open communication, ensuring that we're all working together to provide the best possible experiences for your child.
  • We recognise our responsibility to contribute positively to society. By fostering a love for learning and nurturing well-rounded individuals, we aim to have a lasting impact on the community. We instil in our children the values of empathy, respect, and social responsibility, shaping them into future leaders who will make a difference in the world.

At the Child Educare Services, our vision and philosophy are not just words on a page; they guide everything we do. We are dedicated to creating an environment where children flourish, families thrive, and our community benefits from the well-rounded individuals we help shape. We are excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to witnessing the incredible growth of your child within our care.

 

The Child Educare Services (Organigram ) involves a number of stakeholders in order to ensure that the service being offered is a holistic and evidence based approach to the ever growing needs in the Early Years Setting. These stakeholders involve mainly:

  • The Legally Responsible Person (LRP) for the Child Educare Services of the University of Malta, is the Rector, Professor Alfred J Vella, who holds legal responsibility, and delegates authority to the Executive Committee chaired by Professor Valerie Sollars, who is currently Pro-Rector.
  • The Executive Committee (EC) assumes a crucial role in our organisation’s governance and decision making processes. It is led by the Chair, and members are representatives from the Human Resource Management Department, the Finance Department, an Early Years Professional and the Head of the CES, Ms Johanna Gatt. Ms Gatt is the representative of the LRP and oversees compliance with legal requirements.
  • The Consultative Committee (CC) serves as a valuable resource that supports both management and the Executive Committee. Comprising of the Head of CES, Manager, Centre Coordinators, staff representative and parent representative, the CC plays a useful role in reviewing practices, and through a collaborative consultation to expand on perspectives and policy formation.
  • The CES is made up of a number of different professionals who are trained for their specific role, have accreditation as required and are involved in continuous professional development by participating in training and workshops relevant to their field. All members of staff are required to have a valid and clean police conduct certificate, have Protection of Minors Act (POMA) clearance from the local Court of Law.
  • The Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education is an external stakeholder which serves as a regulatory authority through evaluations and review of the quality of the learning experience for all learners, assessing standards and their compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

 

Your child’s wellbeing is our main motivator and we are excited to embark on this journey with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to schedule a visit to one of our Centres. We look forward to meeting your family and being a part of your child’s educational and developmental journey.


https://www.um.edu.mt/services/ces/whoweare/