Happy Kidz

Happy Kidz is the St Julian's childcare centre in the Żugraga family of nurseries, which also includes Barney's, Magic Kingdom and Iż-Żugraga centres around Malta. It looks after babies and young children on weekdays in a bright, play based setting, and it sits within Malta's Free Childcare Scheme.

For British families who have moved to Malta, or who are planning a move, it is a practical option in one of the island's busiest residential and working areas. This page explains what the centre offers, the age groups it cares for, the group's other services and how to arrange a viewing through VisitMalta.co.uk.

The centre in St Julian's

Happy Kidz is at 80 Triq il-Mensija in St Julian's (San Ġiljan STJ 1969). The centre opens Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 16:30. Its programme is built around activities and games that stimulate learning and creativity, and that also teach everyday practical skills, so children grow in independence and confidence and are ready for the move to kindergarten.

The photographs of the centre show colourful classrooms with child sized tables, wooden and sensory toys, painted wall scenes and a small outdoor play space with a slide and artificial grass.

Ages and stages

The group organises its care by age. The infant programme is for babies from 3 to 12 months, with a nurturing environment that supports early milestones. The toddler programme is for children of 1 to 2 years, who are learning to walk, talk and become more independent. The pre-kindergarten programme is for children of 2 to 3 years and mixes guided learning with play based activities.

Children are placed in the age and developmental group that suits them, so the step from home to nursery is gradual. The group also offers personalised support for children with additional needs or specific cultural and religious requirements, planned with parents and specialists.

How the group approaches care

The group's philosophy is that each child is an individual with their own interests and abilities. Carers aim to build self esteem, independence and self discipline in a safe, stimulating setting, and the programme combines activities, games and practical life skills. Values include kindness, respect and a sense of belonging in a diverse community, and parents are treated as partners in each child's progress.

The Żugraga centres belong to Uniplural Group, which also provides community nursing, caregiving and home help in Malta. Flexibility is a stated priority, which helps families who juggle work or study with childcare.

Free childcare and costs

Every Żugraga centre is part of Malta's Free Childcare Scheme. The scheme allows working parents and guardians, and those who are in education, to use the service at no cost. If you are relocating, our guide to relocating to Malta from the UK covers wider moving questions, and the centre can explain how the scheme applies to your family.

More from the group

Żugraga also provides home babysitting by qualified carers, available by day, by night or long term, at a private home, a yacht or a hotel room. Event childcare brings a dedicated children's corner with tables, toys, crafts, music and indoor play equipment to weddings, corporate events and other occasions, and the group arranges children's parties. If you are visiting rather than settling, our guides to hotels in Sliema and St Julian's and where to stay in Malta help you choose an area.

You can also browse other providers in our directories of nurseries in Malta and children's activities in Malta.

Arranging a viewing

The group offers free viewings. A visit lets you tour the facilities, speak to a carer about the learning approach, meet the team and ask about policies and daily routines. To start, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page, give your child's date of birth and your preferred enrolment date, and we will pass your message to the centre.