The Commissioner for Children, Carmen Zammit, is not yet sure whether the Labour Party's proposed reception class would solve the "entire problem" of child education and could not yet say whether its effects would be positive or negative. Ms Zammit pointed out that the problem, from an educational viewpoint, was vaster than the issue of the reception class and she wanted to study the situation and the results it has had in the UK first.
She was speaking at the launch of the Manifesto of Children's Rights, which was being presented in view of the upcoming general election.
The Office of the Commissioner for Children prepared the manifesto to raise awareness among the political parties about child-related matters that require urgent attention.
Ms Zammit recommended that a lawyer be appointed for children of separating parents and that every effort is made so that related court cases are heard without delay.
Two part-time child advocates were servicing Malta and Gozo and, given the growing demand, their number and commitment should be increased.
Ms Zammit said her office was also proposing that the Juvenile Court should have competence over cases involving minors up to the age of 18 - not 16 as it was at present.
"In the case of children in conflict with the law, it is vital that their family context and social circumstances are adequately taken into consideration in determining the course of action," Ms Zammit said.
She said the manifesto is also pushing for a child-friendly environment in court and a system that empowers children to have their say.
In terms of education, the one-size-fits-all approach could not be applied. The education system had to be continuously improved, Ms Zammit said. The process of phasing out streaming has already begun and should be concluded at the earliest possible opportunity, she continued, pointing out that stress caused by excessive academic pressure and an exam-oriented education system should be eased in favour of a more practical syllabus, which better responded to the individual needs of each child.
Parents were also to blame in that they were contributing "enormously" to tension levels among their children, she said.
Improvements in health care for children should be introduced through universally-accessible vaccines and additional screening tests for babies, while further opportunities should also be made available in sport and culture, Ms Zammit continued.
The manifesto also mentions the need for children to be more informed about their rights in the sphere of work, pointing out that some children are working illegally and that the fine for those in violation of child labour laws is minimal - Lm25.