Who we are
Saghtrija is a family-run childcare centre, the brainchild of Mark and Svetlana.
Mark Amato graduated from the University of Malta with a B. Ed. (Hons.) in 2006 and holds an M. Ed. (Melit.) in the Teaching of Ethics (2017). He has worked in the field of education for more than 15 years, and has taught at both Primary and Secondary levels (including Middle School). He now holds the post of an Assistant Head at a Vocational Secondary and Post-Secondary School. He is also a University of Malta students' placements examiner. He also works freelance in the field of Ethics consultancy. His interests vary from traveling, ornithology and the outdoors... to contemporary Maltese art and literature, non-fiction and current affairs.
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Svetlana Amato has been in the field of early years as from 2006, where she first obtained her BTEC National Diploma in Early Years (MCAST). She continued to further her knowledge at the University of Malta and in 2014 she graduated with a B.Ed (Hons.) in Early Childhood Education and Care. Along the years she has continually engaged in several training courses especially in literacy matters. Her work experience varies from working as a child carer and as a kindergarten educator, to being a Year 1 teacher in a Primary Education setting. Prior to moving into Sagħtrija Childcare she held the post of Literacy Support Teacher at St. Ignatius' College. Svetlana is also a University of Malta teaching practice examiner for students reading their degree in Early Childhood Education and Care. Her interests include traveling and reading, mostly literature related to early childhood education.
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Mark and Svetlana are proud parents to most mischievous, yet beautiful Kate.
Our Philosophy
At Sagħtrija Childcare we value each child and give ample opportunities for children to develop holistically.
We strive hard to have children take ownership of their own learning to become independent learners as from an early age.
Our Values
We commit ourselves to providing a quality education based on our five core values:
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care
respect
trust
integrity
commitment ​
Our Commitment
We commit ourselves to providing a high quality education which is truly innovative, it being based on the most recent early years literature.
What's in a name?
The word 'Sagħtrija' has been carefully chosen because it encompasses the values and commitment behind our childcare services.
The meaning the word ‘Sagħtrija’ has in the Maltese language is twofold. It can either be used as the local name for Maltese savory (Micromeria microphylla), also known as Xkattapietra: a subendemic plant very popular with our forefathers for its alleged medicinal purposes.
It can also be used as an adjective describing a blooming field of ‘Sagħtar’ - Mediterranean Thyme (Thymbra capitate), an indigenous plant that produces a little purple flower with a heady, aromatic scent.
'Sagħtar' is not only a tasty herb very much popular in traditional Maltese cuisine. It is also a herb that is a true magnet to the Maltese islands' most-precious honey-making bees; with honey essentially being the Greek meaning behind the word 'Melite'.
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Which brings us to why we came to choose the name 'Sagħtrija' for our childcare services project. Sagħtrija is our commitment to see our premises turn into a blooming field of smart, up-and-coming little citizens of Malta - the land of honey.
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Register your interest in having your child start his educational journey with us now!
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Why Us?
We are a privately owned, family run business with teaching and learning very much at heart. Our purpose built, brand new premises situated in Triq Fortunat Dalli, Zurrieq opened in November 2020.
Meant to cater for children aged one to three, our carefully designed, Reggio Emilia inspired childcare centre aims at providing the ideal stimulating environment for children to grow and learn.
Enjoying tons of natural light, our fully air-conditioned premises together with our carefully chosen staff
provide the children within our care with the ultimate learning experience.
We also offer the option to register your child under the free childcare government or the tax rebate scheme. A minimum amount of 30 hours weekly will be requested, save for some limited packages that will be available from time to time. One will eventually be able to book in advance extra hours.
If you’re interested in registering your child, please get back to us and we will be more than happy to provide you with all information as necessary.