"The introduction of an additional year prior to compulsory education at the primary level would not benefit the majority of children who, after Kinder II, are well prepared to commence formal schooling... The introduction of an additional year at such an early stage can give rise to concern as it would place all children in the same category."

Joseph P. DeGiovanni, who has represented the Malta Union of Teachers as secretary general for many years, is adamant that what the present system needs is not another year, but a link between kindergarten and primary. After all, what the local system provides for is similar to what other European countries offer as pre-primary education - only that different countries have different names, and in Malta, these are referred to as Kinder I and Kinder II.

"A smooth transition between kindergarten and primary schooling can be achieved through links between the two categories.

"Given that in Malta these classes may both be situated in the same building and fall under the responsibility of the same head of school, it should not prove to be a difficult task.

"Primary schools do well if they pay heed to children's early learning, both at home and at pre-school learning institutions. In this manner, the class teacher in the first year of primary schooling will be able to ensure that his/her programme will continue to build on the children's pre-school experiences. It is also normal for schools to carry out a structured induction programme to help newly admitted children adjust to formal schooling."

Mr DeGiovanni, who currently works at the Department of Planning and Development within the Education Division, believes that what is important at the pre-primary school level is that children are introduced to education in a non-formal schooling environment with an emphasis on education through play.

"The importance of assessing what children should be learning during their first years in formal education can never be overemphasised. Hence the need for the application of continuous forms of assessment from the earliest stages of compulsory education. Formative assessment will be of great benefit to a child's progress and will also be of assistance to all teachers as the child moves from year to year."

He said that the reform in education that is currently being implemented takes cognisance of this, and discussions between the various stakeholders have started and in some instances an agreement has already been registered.

"In fact, by the scholastic year 2009-2010, a programme of assessment, profiling and portfolios will be gradually introduced in the kindergarten and primary levels of education."

However, despite these developments, some children are still falling behind other children, and clearly need additional support.

"This is why it is very important to have early intervention programmes and the necessary support in place in primary schools so that such cases are identified at the earliest stage possible and remedial action is taken in time," Mr DeGiovanni states.

"The system is already running programmes that cater for those children who, for various reasons, fail to keep up with the others, and these are definitely not the majority. Individuals who find it difficult to cope are being identified and, where considered necessary, given individual attention. Investment in the field of specialised educators is of great importance and should continue to be given priority."

Nonetheless, despite the burning debate that has been taking place in the past weeks, fuelled by the election countdown, Mr DeGiovanni believes that as in all professions, important decisions should never be surrounded by partisan agendas.

"Policy-makers should consult with all stakeholders and come to conclusions after studiously evaluating all that has been submitted.

"In an area as delicate as education, where the future of the nation is at stake, especially in view of the fact that Malta's main resource is its human resources, needless risks are uncalled for and every decision has to be taken after all the pros and cons have been carefully examined."