Women's participation rate in the labour market has increased by 6% as a result of the introduction of the free childcare scheme, which the government estimates will cost €12 million this year.

Stating this during the opening ceremony of a new childcare centre facility, La Bacchetta Magica in St Venera, last Friday 2 October 2015 Minister Evarist Bartolo said that however childcare Centres should not be a place where children are 'parked' whilst mothers are at work. He said that it is important that children are educated and as research shows the first 1000 days since inception will determine the success that children will have in future.  Therefore it is essential that children are educated whilst respecting their need for free play.

La Bacchetta Magica which is situated in St Joseph High Road St Venera, is equipped with state of the art facilities and will cater for children between three months and three years.  As part of an Italian franchise that has over 30 centres all over Italy, the Centre is backed by a team of professional child experts that follow important pedagogical philosophies such as the Montessori principles.

Directors Isabelle Abela and Joanne Aquilina said that they firmly believe in the Centres motto that children "learn through play".     Preschoolers will "learn how to learn and they begin to form attitudes toward school and to see themselves as learners. As working mothers, they understand the needs of working mothers ad aim to work in