L'Ecole Childcare Centres

L'Ecole Childcare Centre in Qormi looks after babies, toddlers and young children from the age of three months up to three years. It sits in the heart of the island at 15 St Bartholomew Street and is open from 6am to 6pm, which suits parents who start work early or finish late. The centre is the first of six L'Ecole branches across Malta, so the group has a long record of caring for very young children.

For UK families who are moving to the island or who already live here, a nursery place is often one of the first practical questions. L'Ecole accepts children through the national Free Childcare Scheme as well as by fee, and the centre is licensed and registered with the Department of Education. You can browse other nurseries and clubs in our directory of children's activities in Malta.

How the centre began

L'Ecole opened its first centre in Qormi in 2011. The idea came from a love of caring for children and a growing need in the local community for safe, reliable care. The Qormi centre is a cosy, safe and happy place, staffed by carers who have many years of experience and a strong commitment to the work.

A big change came in 2014, when the government introduced the Free Childcare Scheme to help parents enter or return to the workforce by making childcare more affordable. Demand rose sharply, and L'Ecole grew with it. A second centre followed in Żebbuġ in 2015, then Siġġiewi in 2017, Msida in 2020, and two larger flagship centres in Blata l-Bajda and St Julian's later in 2020. Every centre is registered and licensed.

Qormi sits close to the middle of Malta, within reach of the capital. If you are exploring the area, our Valletta guide shows what is on offer a short journey away.

A play-based day for ages 3 months to 3 years

The aim at L'Ecole is to give early learners a firm foundation in learning and communication before they move to the next stage of education. Children are grouped by age and by the number of children each carer looks after: three children per carer from three months to one year, five per carer from twelve to twenty-four months and six per carer from two to three years. Mixed groups run at six children per carer.

The day mixes planned themes with free, unstructured play, so children can mix freely while they learn through play. Activities are planned around each child's interests and needs and include circle time, crafts, music and dancing, role play, story time, messy play and outdoor play, plus naps and nappy changing and potty support through the day. The routines are designed to build thinking, movement, sensory, early number, social and emotional skills, along with basic everyday skills.

The group follows the Nordic approach to early childhood education. That means learning through play, relationships and time outdoors, where children learn by taking part in social activity. It places weight on children's rights and democratic values rather than on formal lessons. Our Malta weather guide explains why outdoor play works so well across much of the year.

Themes, events and yoga for toddlers

Beyond the daily routine, the programme includes theme weeks on subjects such as science, health, hygiene and growing food, and colour weeks where each week has its own colour. Toddlers can take part in yoga sessions, and the centre also organises outings, concerts, an annual celebration day, parents' meetings and a parents' activity day.

Carers hold a level 4 diploma in child care and are certified in food handling and paediatric first aid. Staff workshops are held often, with talks from child psychotherapists, child psychologists, doctors and other specialists. Each child is placed with an allocated carer in a group of children of a similar age.

Three managers are named across the group: Ivana Scerri De Carlo at St Julian's, Nadesh Parnis at Msida and Melissa Cuschieri Lapira at Blata l-Bajda. They share a belief in free play, inclusion and learning in a family atmosphere.

Enrolling, fees and the Free Childcare Scheme

Every L'Ecole centre takes part in the Free Childcare Scheme. Anyone who lives and works in Malta may benefit if they are employed or studying, subject to the scheme's terms and conditions. Families who do not use the scheme can apply by fee instead, and the centre will discuss the details with you directly.

Securing a place involves a one-time, non-refundable enrolment fee, paid when you apply. Places are offered on a first come, first served basis. Children born between 1 January and 30 April move on to Kindergarten in February, and the scheme ends automatically at the end of the January before. Children born between 1 May and 31 December start Kindergarten in October, and the scheme ends at the end of September. In both cases a child may stay at L'Ecole until the end of that January or September.

Expats weighing up life in Malta can read more in our relocation guide for UK families, and the Malta tax guide for UK nationals covers the wider financial picture of living and working on the island. If you plan to work remotely while your child is in care, see our digital nomad guide.

Values and working with parents

Five core values shape the day: safety, entertainment, education, teamwork and communication. On safety, every carer is trained in health and safety, and the aim is for each child to be safe at all times. On education, the focus is on preparing children for their next big step, while activities that follow each child's interests keep learning enjoyable.

Parents are treated as partners. The staff plan individual activities with families, share feedback on how each child is developing and welcome questions. Leaving a baby or toddler for the first time is hard, and the team is experienced in easing that change for both child and parent. Each child is valued as an individual and given attention and respect, with room to enjoy childhood without being rushed through it.

The group also runs centres in Żebbuġ, Siġġiewi, Msida, Blata l-Bajda and St Julian's, each with its own address and team, so families who move house or work elsewhere on the island have other L'Ecole options to ask about.

Daily practicalities for parents

Parents provide their child's food and drink from home, since the centre does not supply meals. Pushchairs cannot be left at the centre, for reasons of hygiene and space. The centre stays open throughout the year apart from a few days at Christmas, a week of summer break in August and public and bridge holidays, and a list of holiday dates is handed out when you enrol.

Settling in is taken gradually. A child can start with an hour or two on the first days, and the hours increase over time. The team stays in touch with parents if a child finds it hard to settle, and it keeps several channels of communication open so that you hear how your child is getting on. Families choosing a base for a stay or a move can look at our guide to where to stay in Malta.

Visiting and getting in touch

L'Ecole Childcare Centre Qormi is at 15 St Bartholomew Street, Ħal Qormi QRM 2182. Parents are invited to arrange a meeting and a walk around the centre before they decide. For general background on the island, our guide to Malta is a good starting point.

To ask about a place for your child, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to the centre, who will reply to you directly.