The number of children attending childcare centres increased by 1,000 since free childcare services were introduced on April 1, Employment and Training Corporation chairman Clyde Caruana said.

Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Speaking at the inauguration of the Qawsalla Smart Kids Child Care Centre in Gzira, Mr Caruana said there were now 3,300 children attending childcare centres.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said 2,722 of them were receiving the service free of charge.

Mr Caruana said that the corporation estimated that 25 per cent of the 7,000 people who started working since April were mothers. A total 60 per cent of the mothers, he said, worked part-time. These mothers were encouraged to find a job following the provision of free childcare services.

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna said the provision of free childcare services had been a calculated risk which was bearing results. He said that over three years, mothers making use of the services would have benefited from some €10,000 per child.

Qawsalla brings the total number of child care centres to 72. Thirteen are run by the State, five by private entities and 45 though public-private partnerships.