Updated
Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said this evening that he was hopeful that Skolasajf and Klabb 3-16 would open late this week.
The opening was yesterday postponed by a week because not enough teachers were available for the record 10,800 pupils who had signed up.
But this afternoon, Mr Bartolo said it was hoped enough 'adults' would become available later this week.
Informed sources told Times of Malta that the postponement became inevitable when it was realised that not enough teachers were available for the record number of students who signed up this year. Many of the teachers are following in-service courses this week.
The Education Ministry announced the postponement late yesterday but many parents did not get the news on time and there was confusion outside several schools this morning.
The ministry said that a situation could have developed where the staff went out on strike - because of the shortage of staff.
However the Malta Union of Teachers this morning said it never ordered any dispute or industrial action.
"However, for the children’s welfare and safety, the Union advised its members to send children back home at those centres where not enough staff were deployed to take care of the safety of such children. The Union would like to remind that Skola Sajf is not a formal school setting but involves physical activities such as outings, swimming and other games. This means that safety is of paramount importance."
The union said it informed the ministry more than three weeks about problems in the administration of Skola Sajf including the shortage of staff. It had also proposed a postponement of a few days until the disorganisation was rectified. The minister replied immediately and confirmed that he was considering what the MUT had said.
PN CONCERN
The Nationalist party expressed concern over what had happened and said it all stemmed from a lack of planning and preparedness by the government which had led to 'organised disorganisation'.
Parents and carers expected a proper service, not excuses and spin, the party said. It hoped a solution would be provided quickly.