All three political parties are pledging to introduce free childcare for those under three to encourage more mothers to return to the labour market. But what do mothers think of this? Claudia Calleja visited a Church and State primary school in Żebbuġ and found that, while some would seize the opportunity to start working, others said they still preferred to stay home to raise their young families.
Rosanne Chircop Schembri, 32, has a girl, aged three, and a boy, one
Free childcare would make a difference. I have two children and, at the moment, only one attends childcare. I work part-time and might work full-time if free childcare is available. Being able to go out to work more would help with the family’s finances.
Dorianne Falzon, 38, has a four-year-old daughter
I think this is very positive. I don’t work but if I had the option to send my daughter to free childcare I definitely would. At the moment, we’re tight with money, so I would go and work if there was someone to keep by daughter and, if possible, I’d work full-time.
Lucienne Borg D’Amato, 35, has a girl, aged two
It’s a good proposal that can help the whole family. I work full-time on a shift system at the moment and get my daughter to kindergarten during the day. I had stopped working for a while but had to start again to cope with expenses. Free childcare would save me at least €1,000 a year.
Marisa Said, 40, has a girl, aged three
I agree 100 per cent with free childcare. I have a very low budget. We are in a crappy situation and things need to change. I don’t work because I look after my daughter. I would like to work if I had the option to keep her somewhere safe.
Joanne Cilia, 34, has a girl, aged four
It’s good that it would be free although, at the moment, the situation is not bad because there are options. I work nights only, so I’m always with my daughter. So having free childcare does not really make a big difference to me. But for women who work during the day it might.
Natalie Micallef, 30, has a son aged four and a nine-year-old daughter
Free childcare would be good for many people. For some it’s not worth working and then spend the money earned for childcare. I don’t work. My children are growing, so I won’t benefit from free childcare. Even if I did, I’m not sure I’d leave them there as it depends under whose care they will be. No one looks after children better than their parents.
Michelle Vella, 40, has two daughters aged seven and 16
I know there are already about eight free childcare centres and more are to open. It will make a difference. I don’t work and had there been free childcare when my children were small I would still not have sent them there since I believe that small children should be with their mother.
Verone Borg, 34, has a girl, three, and a boy, six
It’s very good for working mothers. I don’t work but I would opt for free childcare if I did. My situation happens to be one where I don’t need to work but, if I did, I’m sure I’d find childcare services very supportive.