EU calls for increased access to early childhood education, care

Malta is one of just eight members states of the European Union that guarantee a legal right to early childhood care soon after a child’s birth.

A report on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) published by the European Commission found that only Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Malta, Slovenia, Finland, Sweden and Norway guaranteed early access to ECEC.

Compared to the rest of the member states, these eight countries allow access after the end of paid maternity of parental leave.

In all other countries, the gap between the end of maternity / parental leave and legal entitlement to ECEC is more than two years.

The report showed that the provision of quality ECEC is affected in many countries by lack of funding, staff shortages, employees with low qualifications and an absence of educational guidelines for teachers and other staff.

One in four children in Europe under the age of six is at risk of poverty or social exclusion and may need specific support for their educational needs. Immediate access to ECEC facilitates the fight against poverty.

“Supporting young children, particularly the most vulnerable ones living in poverty, should be an obligation,” said Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth.

“Early childhood education and care is increasingly accessible but many EU Member States need to make significant improvements. Quality ECEC is an essential building block for economic and social fulfilment and mobility later in life.”

In April 2014, Malta introduced free childcare services for working parents. Across Europe, fees vary greatly and reductions are often provided for low-income families and those facing hardship.

Fees for children under three are highest in Ireland, Luxembourg, the UK and Switzerland and private provision dominates. Charges are lowest in Eastern European and Nordic countries.

The report showed that since most Eastern European countries do not offer a legal entitlement for ECEC places, demand often outweighed supply.

In contrast, ECEC is much more accessible in Nordic countries.