For many families, a childcare centre is more than just a drop-off place—it becomes a second home where their little ones can feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore. Rising Stars Childcare Centre in San Ġwann, Malta, has fully embraced this role throughout 2024, and it’s already gearing up for even more growth in the years ahead.

While many childcare centres offer basic care, what truly makes an exceptional one is its ability to adapt and meet the changing needs of both children and parents. Rising Stars has made this a priority, focusing on innovation and a genuine commitment to families. This dedication has been a huge part of the Centre's success recently, making 2024 a standout year. Their continuous push for improvement and efforts to build real, meaningful connections have earned them four prestigious awards, each recognising a different aspect of their excellence.

Rising Stars was honoured with the Best Reflective Practice as a Childcare Centre for its commitment to ongoing learning and development, while its creative and engaging approach to early education earned it the title of Best Innovative Childcare Centre. The thoughtfully designed space—complete with a soaring 4.6-metre ceiling that floods the centre with natural light—was recognised with the Best Educational, Practical, and Friendly Childcare Development award. And to top it all off, the Centre’s warm and nurturing environment, built on strong relationships with both parents and children, earned them the Best Childcare Services and Early Childhood Companion award.

The Centre Manager shares, “The award that means the most to us is the Best Educational, Practical, and Friendly Childcare Development award. It embodies everything we stand for—creating the right environment, having dedicated caregivers, and keeping our focus on children’s development."

But 2024 wasn’t just about winning awards—it was also about growth and innovation. One of the biggest steps forward was the introduction of a new multi-zoned digital platform to improve communication with parents. “Last year, we switched to a new app that offers more flexibility, and it’s completely changed the experience for parents,” the Centre Manager explains. This tech upgrade is just one example of Rising Stars staying ahead of the game and ensuring families get the best support. “We didn’t just stick to the first tool we tried,” the Manager remarks. “We’re always looking to improve and make the experience better for families.”

While the transition wasn’t without its challenges, especially with the strict childcare industry regulations, the team made it work. “There are different carer-to-child ratios for each age group,” says the Centre Manager. “For example, for every three babies, we need one carer.” He goes on to explain that balancing high demand and adapting to new systems was tricky at first, but they’ve come to a place where things run pretty smoothly. “Of course, nothing is perfect,” he adds, “but it seems like we’re on the right track.”

Staff retention has been another big focus in 2024, with 60-70% of the team staying since the Centre first opened. “We try to operate like a family here,” says the Manager. “Staff well-being is one of our core pillars.” This consistency is key to the quality of care they provide. “Happy staff means happy clients,” the Centre Manager emphasises. “When our educators feel supported, they can offer better care and build stronger relationships with parents.”

At Rising Stars, children’s development is always at the top of the agenda. They have a structured yet engaging approach, with daily crafts, tuff trays, and plenty of free play. “We keep a pretty consistent routine,” the Centre Manager explains. “The kids do crafts every day, and they work on tuff trays. In the evenings, we do another round of tuff trays and encourage free play.” This routine has led to noticeable improvements in the children’s social skills and development, with parents often asking about the activities so they can do them at home.

Looking ahead to 2025, Rising Stars is excited to build on the momentum from 2024 with new initiatives that will further enhance the children’s learning experience. One of the most exciting projects is expanding their exclusive collection of children’s books. “You won’t find these books anywhere else—they’re part of the Rising Stars brand, and we’re excited to grow the collection,” reveals the Centre Manager.

They’re also diving into nature-based learning, with outings planned every two to three months. “Our first trip is in April—we’re taking the kids and their parents to the National Aquarium,” says the Manager. These outings aim to strengthen parent involvement while enriching the children’s learning. “It’s good for everyone, not just the kids but the parents too,” the Centre Manager points out. In fact, Rising Stars isn’t just a place for kids—it’s a hub for families. The Manager also shares that some former students still visit the Centre with their parents “just to say hello” after they’ve moved on to primary school. “That’s all thanks to our amazing carers, whose genuine care creates lasting bonds with the children,” he says.

Flexibility will continue to be a key part of Rising Stars’ success. With extended hours from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week—including public holidays—the Centre remains committed to supporting parents with demanding schedules. “We’ve taken a lot of stress off parents who work irregular hours, like nurses, healthcare workers, and retail employees,” the Manager explains. “A lot of our foreign clients don’t have the option to leave their kids with grandparents, so we’re here to offer the best support we can.”

As they look ahead to 2025, Rising Stars will stay true to its core values—genuine connections, a nurturing environment, and a commitment to growing alongside the children and families they serve. With a passionate team and a real dedication to making a meaningful impact in early childhood education, Rising Stars is a place where both children and parents feel truly supported every step of the way.