The relationship between parents and educators is the foundation for quality education, the Ministry for Education said during a seminar organised by the Foundation for Educational Services. The seminar’s theme was regarding the importance of continuing to foster an excellent relationship between those who take care of students and the student’s parents or guardians.

A point raised during the seminar was that within the diverse scenario of early childhood development, the role of the people who take care of students and parents forms part of the foundation for children’s education. Another important role is that of the child carers entrusted by the parents who are expected to serve as a bridge between the children and the parents, the Ministries for Education and Social Policy said. “When families face difficulties, this has a significant impact on the well-being of children, and here the responsibility extends beyond the classroom.”

During the seminar, it was said that one of the important reasons for collaboration between parents and childcarers is so that parents are able to express their concerns, fears, and aspirations about their children. Childcarers also have a role to encourage parents to actively participate in their children’s education, as parents are the ones who provide children with their first educational experience.

Education Minister Clifton Grima said that the National Strategy for Education 2023-2030 is built upon the importance given to a person. He said that with the transformation being made in this sector, the person is at the centre of the education system. “To achieve this goal, there must be an excellent relationship between all those who form an integral part of the sector; the student, the educator, and the parent.”

Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon emphasised that through this seminar, childcare educators were given the opportunity to talk and share their experiences and to help each other reach the same goal, which is to strengthen the relationship between the childcare educator and the parent. He said that it was this government which has helped parents who for whatever reason may not have anyone to take care of their children in order to go to work.

The seminar was the second of its kind that has been organised. The Committee for Positive Parenting and Strengthening the Family, which forms part of the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, also attended the seminar.