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Nursery, childminder or kindergarten — what’s the difference?

Niboo · 16 July 2026

Nursery, childminder or kindergarten — what’s the difference?

Not sure which type of childcare suits your child? Here's a quick guide to the main options in Malta.

Nursery / childcare centre

Purpose-built settings caring for larger groups of children, usually from a few months to around four years. Great for social development and structured early-years activities.

Childminder

A registered carer looking after a small number of children, often in their own home. Ideal for families who prefer a cosy, home-like environment and flexible hours.

Kindergarten

Focused on the year or two before primary school, kindergartens emphasise school-readiness — early literacy, numeracy and independence.

After-school club

For school-aged children, offering supervised care, homework help and activities once the school day ends.

Use Niboo's filters to explore each type and find the right match near you.

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