A new early childhood education centre, Seba’ Sema f’Kull Staġun, has opened its doors and will further strengthen the services offered to children and families, the Education Ministry announced in a statement on Tuesday.

The ministry said that the centre will provide a safe, inclusive environment focused on the development of every child from an early age.

The centre, which caters for children between 3 months and 3 years of age, has the capacity to accommodate 30 children and forms part of the Government's free Childcare Scheme. Through a team of professionals, it will begin children's educational journey while also serving as a source of support for parents.

The Minister for Education and Sport, Byron Camilleri, visited the centre at its opening and said that it was this Government that introduced free childcare, a scheme that has benefited thousands of families and continues to do so. He explained that childcare has now become an integral part of children's educational journey.

"The first years of life are crucial to the development of every child. That is why we must continue investing in quality services that not only provide the best possible environment but also one that promotes learning and encourages creativity, independence and confidence from an early age. At the same time, these services remain an important support for families and working parents," said Minister Camilleri.

For her part, the centre's owner, Marilyn Meli, said that the vision behind Seba’ Sema f’Kull Staġun is to provide a smaller-scale environment where every child feels safe, valued and encouraged to develop at their own pace. She explained that the aim is to create "a home away from home," where parents feel supported and confident that their children are receiving the highest quality care, education and attention. She stressed that, when it comes to children, there should be no compromise in the standard of care, education and love they receive.

At this centre, children are not exposed to screens, with the aim of encouraging them to learn through real-life experiences, play and exploration.

In addition, the centre is built around a unique concept inspired by the four seasons, with each area reflecting a different season and providing educational experiences tailored to children's age and stage of development. Parents are also kept informed throughout the day through a communication system that provides continuous updates on their children's experiences and progress.