It is unacceptable to begin another school year with a shortage of LSEs, creating uncertainty for many families

As the new school year begins, we are once again facing the same problems experienced in previous years, creating unnecessary uncertainty for students and parents. This is the result of a lack of planning by Robert Abela’s Government, which has failed to come up with the necessary solutions.

A clear example is the situation concerning Learning Support Educators (LSEs) in schools across Malta and Gozo, where it is evident that, once again, problems remain unresolved even as schools reopen after the summer holidays.

The Partit Nazzjonalista expresses serious concern about the significant shortage of LSEs affecting the start of the new school year, as also reported in a story published by the Times of Malta in recent hours.

Students who require assistance should not be left without the support they need to attend school and participate fully in their education. Despite the promises that have been made, there are still families waiting for answers and children who need the necessary support in order to enjoy the same educational opportunities as their peers.

While the Government is saying that the number of LSEs will increase in the coming days, it is unacceptable that a shortage of LSEs at the beginning of the school year is once again causing stress for many families, with parents being informed that there are not enough Learning Support Educators to meet demand. Inclusion means ensuring that every child receives an education with the necessary support so that no one is left behind.

This is also a complete failure of planning. Abela’s Government had an entire summer to ensure that this situation would not arise at the start of the new school year. Families and parents are paying the price for this lack of planning, with some being forced to miss work because, in certain cases, their children are unable to attend school.

It is unacceptable that Abela’s Government – which, according to the latest NSO figures, has now increased public debt to a new record of €12 billion –  appears able to find money for everything, yet cannot secure sufficient funding to ensure an adequate number of LSEs in schools. This is despite repeated promises that the problem would be resolved.

In 2022, the Labour Party promised a new framework that would enable the recruitment of more LSEs, with better conditions and more specialised training. Labour’s Electoral Manifesto also promised the introduction of LSEs in childcare centres.

Meanwhile, in its most recent Electoral Manifesto for the last general election, under the chapter entitled “Inclusive Education”, pledge number 41 stated that educators would be provided with training and refresher courses on inclusion in education. Learning Support Educators (LSEs) were also to be given the opportunity to specialise in supporting children with autism, ADHD and dyslexia, among other neurodivergent conditions.

Today, the question is clear: what has become of these promises, and what is being done to ensure that every child receives the support they need? There is little point in promising LSEs opportunities to specialise, or better conditions, when there are not even enough LSEs to meet demand.

Robert Abela and his Government must account for what has been implemented, what remains outstanding, and when the shortcomings affecting children and their families will be addressed.

The Partit Nazzjonalista is calling on the Government to explain clearly what concrete steps it will take to address this problem and within what timeframe these measures will be implemented.

Graziella Galea
Shadow Minister for Inclusion

Jerome Caruana Cilia
Shadow Minister for Education and Citizenship

Ivan Bartolo
Shadow Minister for Social Policy, the Family and Social Housing

Norma Camilleri
Spokesperson for Family and Children’s Policy

28.09.2026