Improved legislation for nurseries underway to meet modern-day challenges

Efforts are underway to improve existing legislation of services offered by nurseries, that can meet current challenges, such as integrating children from different backgrounds, disabilities and adopting new technologies, Labour Minister Zeta Emilianidou said on Sunday.

Speaking at an opening ceremony at a nursery in Marathasa, the minister noted the importance of local authorities in social care, a trend noticed across European states. To that end, the government seeks to support such initiatives and in 2020, supported the nursery with €17,000 to cover operational and capital expenses.

“The benefits of running such programs are multi-faceted, especially in rural communities such as yours, as the quality of offered services and working hours allow for the integration, reintegration of idle workforce– mostly female – back into work.”

This allows for better balance between career and family, Emilianidou said and to this end, her ministry is promoting an improvement of relevant legislation and regulations surrounding the operation of nurseries and pre-schools.

Nurseries and pre-schools play a huge role in developing a child’s personality, Emilianidou noted, and the aim is to ensure quality care to every child which can meet current needs such as “the integration of children with disabilities, multiculturalism and new technologies.