Safeguarding international schools in Malta: country guide

Private and international schools in Malta work under the Education Act (Cap. 327). The Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education (DQSE) licenses and inspects all independent schools.

Schools must meet DQSE quality rules for school leadership, campus safety and pupil care. Many independent schools also hold approval from global bodies like IB, COBIS or CIS.

Schools must show compliance with both national rules and international benchmarks. Check our guide on safeguarding governance for school groups for board-level oversight models.

Every independent school in Malta must follow national child protection laws. Teaching an international course does not replace statutory child welfare duties.

The Minor Protection Act (Cap. 602) sets the legal framework for child welfare across Malta. Staff working with children have an explicit duty to report situations where a child suffers harm.

Reports go straight to Child Protection Services within the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS / Agenzija Appogg). In urgent cases, staff call the Police Vice Squad or 112.

Staff must not attempt to resolve serious allegations through quiet talks in school. The school DSL coordinates school notes, child history and formal statutory referral.

Compare these rules with other countries in mandatory reporting laws for international schools.

If a child is in danger now, call 112 straight away. Then tell your Designated Safeguarding Lead and Head of School on the same day.

When a worry does not need armed police help, call Supportline 179. Keep clear notes of what was seen, who spoke and what steps took place.

• 112: European emergency line for police, ambulance and fire rescue.
• 179: Supportline 179, free 24-hour national helpline run by FSWS.
• Child Protection Services (FSWS): social work team handling child welfare cases.
• Police Vice Squad: specialized police team checking offenses against minors.

Working in a Maltese school requires strict screening under Cap. 518, the Protection of Minors Act. School leaders must check that new staff are not on the Protection of Minors Register.

Job seekers must show an official Police Conduct Certificate (Form A Kondotta) from the Malta Police Force. Expatriate staff must provide verified police clearance certificates from their home country.

Teacher hiring must also check warrants with the Council for the Teaching Profession. Schools must check employment references directly with past school leaders by phone or video.

Keep all check dates, teacher warrants and police papers in one central list. Review our checklist on Single Central Record requirements to keep recruitment files compliant.

Safeguarding files in Malta fall under EU GDPR and the Data Protection Act (Cap. 586). Child protection data represents special category data that requires high digital security.

Schools do not need parent consent to record concerns or share facts with child social services. Vital interest rules apply when protecting children from risk of harm.

Access to child safety files must stay strictly limited to designated leads. Subject teachers and office clerks should not see confidential case notes.

Store digital files in an encrypted, access-restricted database. Our guide to data protection and safeguarding records explains compliant record keeping.

When a pupil shares abuse or distress, staff members must listen without judging or interrupting. Staff should reassure the student but explain clearly that the DSL must be told.

The DSL logs the report on the secure safeguarding software right away. Notes must describe clear facts, child words and time details without staff guessing.

Do not ask leading questions or attempt to check the facts on your own. Hand your written note to your lead before leaving school today.

If a claim involves a school staff member, the school head must consult child protection police before starting internal checks. This prevents harming official inquiries.

• Listen with care: Avoid showing shock, anger or fear when a pupil speaks.
• Do not promise secrets: Explain who you must tell to keep the child safe.
• Record facts: Note the time, date, place and exact words used.
• Notify the DSL: Hand the written report to the lead the same day.

All staff members must complete child protection training before they teach or supervise children. Annual refresher training ensures staff stay informed about updated legislation and online threats.

Non-teaching staff, including office staff, cleaning crews and bus drivers, must also take part in training. Every adult on campus helps build a safe school community.

Review our guide on safeguarding training levels to set up school training plans.