Child Educare Services at UM

At our Kindergarten, we value both creativity and skill development, recognising that children learn and express themselves in different ways.

When children are invited to “draw a face” without further instructions, they are free to explore their imagination, express their ideas, and develop confidence in their own unique way of thinking. Open-ended activities encourage creativity, problem-solving, self-expression, and independent decision-making.

At other times, children may be given a more structured activity, such as drawing within a line or following specific instructions. These experiences help develop important skills including concentration, fine motor control, listening skills, perseverance, and the ability to follow directions—skills that support future learning and school readiness.

By offering both child-led and guided experiences, we create a balanced learning environment where children can flourish creatively while also building the foundations they need for academic success.

Another strength of our Kindergarten is our commitment to learning through play. We provide a warm, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, build friendships, and develop confidence at their own pace.

Applications are now open for Scholastic Year 2026/2027. We look forward to welcoming new families into our Kindergarten community.

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Professional Growth & Staff Development: Investing in Our Educators

At the University of Malta’s Child Educare Services (Ilwien and It-Tajra Childcare Centres), we continue to invest in our most important resource: our educators.

Through participation in international conferences such as EECERA in Bratislava and OEO in Rimini, our team has engaged with global perspectives on early childhood education, outdoor learning, and creativity in practice.

These experiences are shaping everyday practice, encouraging more child-led exploration, richer outdoor learning, and the use of open-ended materials that inspire curiosity and creativity.

Alongside this, regular supervision supports educators’ wellbeing, reflection, and professional growth.

Because when we nurture our educators, we nurture the future.

Written by Joy Marigin Lungay, Childcare Educator, and Abigail Church, Manager at the Child Educare Services, University of Malta.

At first glance, it looks like a group of children pretending to be spiders navigating a giant cobweb. Yet beneath the fun, rich learning is taking place.

As the children planned their routes, adjusted their movements, and worked their way through the web, they were developing problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, balance, coordination, and perseverance. They were also learning to assess risk, adapt their strategies, and build confidence in their own abilities.

In our kindergarten, play is more than an activity; it is a carefully supported process through which children explore, think, create, and make sense of the world around them. Through meaningful play experiences, children develop the foundations for lifelong learning.



Junior College - University of Malta
University of Malta

Did you know that our childcare is full of amazing little humans?

Every day we’re surrounded by children who are curious, creative, kind, funny, determined, and full of wonderful ideas. They make us laugh, think, and see the world through fresh eyes.

We feel very lucky to be part of their journey. 💛