How to set up a Websta profile as a childminder in Malta

What goes on your childminder profile

Your Websta profile page acts as your own small website. Parents in Malta search for childminders by location and service type on the Websta marketplace and find your profile there. The profile itself contains several sections that you control.

Start with a clear description of what you offer: the age groups you mind, your hours of work, whether you offer full-time or part-time care, and anything special about your approach - for example, whether you teach through play, focus on language development, or take children outdoors. Keep this straightforward and honest about what you actually do.

Add your contact details and location. Websta shows your town on your profile, which helps parents nearby find you. You can set your service area - some childminders serve one neighbourhood, others work across multiple towns in Malta.

Add photos. Parents want to see where children will spend their time. Include images of your home or care space, any outdoor area, toys and books, and activity spaces. Do not include photos of children without clear consent from their parents.

List your services separately. Common service types for childminders in Malta include daytime childminding, after-school care, weekend care, and babysitting. You set the service name and add a description for each one.

Booking and quote requests

Websta offers two ways for parents to connect with you: a contact form and online booking. The contact form works well if you prefer to discuss care needs and rates by message or phone before confirming anything. A parent fills in what they need, and you get their message.

Online booking is useful if you want parents to check your available hours and book directly. You set when you are available, and parents book time slots themselves. You can also turn on the ability for parents to request a quote for services that don't work on a fixed hourly schedule.

Many childminders in Malta use both: quick admin tasks and questions come through the contact form, but regular bookings go through the calendar. Decide what suits your routine.

Languages for your profile

Most parents in Malta speak both Maltese and English. Publish your profile in both languages if you can, especially if you offer services like teaching Maltese language or English language skills. If you speak other languages - for example, if you mind children of expat families - you might add a note about that.

Websta lets you write separate descriptions in each language, so you can explain your approach in both Maltese and English. This also helps parents find you through search in their preferred language.

How parents search for childminders in Malta

Parents in Malta use the Websta marketplace to find childminders. They search by location - choosing their town or area - and by service type. The main childcare category on Websta covers childminders and related services.

Search results show profiles with a photo, your location, and a short description. Parents can filter by service type and availability. Some parents post a task describing what they need - for example, 'after-school care for a 6-year-old, three days a week' - and childminders can make offers on those tasks.

Most searches happen within a town or nearby areas, as parents look for someone close to home or school. Having a clear profile with a good photo and honest description of what you offer makes you more likely to be contacted.

What to check with local authorities

Malta has regulations for childminding and early childhood education. Before you set up your Websta profile, check what applies to you.

Childminders who care for children outside school hours may fall under different rules depending on the number of children, their age, and how many hours per week you work. The Education Authority and the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) publish guidance on childminding standards and registration.

You should verify: whether you need to register as a childminder, what qualifications or training are required, what safeguarding checks apply, how many children you can mind at once, and what your responsibilities are for health and safety. The specific rules can depend on whether you care for children in your home or another setting, and for how many hours.

Once you are clear on what applies to you, you can mention relevant qualifications or training on your Websta profile with confidence.

Setting up your bank account for payments

Websta handles payments through Stripe, which deposits earnings into your own bank account. You need a bank account in Malta to receive payments. When you set up your Websta profile, you will connect your Stripe account, which requires your bank details.

You control your own prices and keep the money from bookings and quotes. Stripe charges a small fee for processing each payment. Check the fee structure so you know what to expect.

What to write in your first hour

You do not need a polished profile to start. In your first hour, add the essentials: your name or business name, your location (town), a short description of the age groups you mind and your main service (for example, 'daytime childminding for children aged 2-5'), your contact email or phone, and one or two photos of your care space.

Write plainly. Say what you actually do: 'I provide daytime childminding in my home in Sliema. I care for children aged 18 months to 5 years. I am available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.' This is enough to start.

Add your first service type and a basic description. You can expand your profile later - add more photos, write fuller descriptions in both languages, set up your booking calendar, or add more services. Starting simple and complete is better than waiting until everything is perfect.