Concerns raised by parents and childcare centre operators over attendance regulations and fines linked to Malta’s free childcare scheme should be addressed without delay, according to PN education and social policy spokespersons.
Jerome Caruana Cilia, Ivan Bartolo and Norma Camilleri said reports that families may feel financially pressured to send unwell children to childcare to avoid fines were concerning. They warned that such situations could affect sick children, other children attending centres and childcare workers.
“No parent should feel penalised for acting responsibly by keeping their child at home when they are genuinely unwell,” the statement said, adding that public policy should support responsible health decisions.
The spokespersons highlighted the importance of the free childcare scheme in supporting families and helping parents, particularly mothers, participate in the labour market. However, they said public health measures must also limit the spread of illness and protect staffing levels needed to maintain carer-to-child ratios.
A petition by operators and parents includes proposals such as treating doctor-certified absences differently. The PN representatives called for constructive dialogue with stakeholders while maintaining safeguards against abuse.
“Good public policy is achieved by listening, assessing the evidence and making the necessary adjustments in a balanced manner,” they said.
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