Review on Requirements and Exemptions from Requirements for Home-schooling

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Education (a) when were requirements for home-schooling in Singapore last reviewed; and (b) whether exemptions from requirements for home-schooling in Singapore can be granted for parents of children with mild developmental disabilities and are not able to fit into a mainstream school, but with a condition that does not qualify them to be enrolled into either NorthLight School or Assumption Pathway School.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: The core objectives of Compulsory Education (CE) are to give our children (a) a common core of knowledge which will provide a strong foundation for further education and training; and (b) a common educational experience which will help to build national identity and cohesion.

Under the CE Act, Singaporean children of compulsory school age, that is, above six years and under 15 years, are required to be enrolled in national primary schools. Children with moderate to severe Special Educational Needs (SEN) that cannot be supported in mainstream schools, can enrol in Government-funded Special Education schools to meet the CE requirement.

Parents may apply for their children to be exempted from CE, to be home-schooled. Children with SEN who are home-schooled may follow either the mainstream or special education curriculum, depending on their specific needs. Regardless of the curriculum, parents who apply for home-schooling would need to have the capability to teach their children effectively and provide a holistic learning environment.

The Ministry of Education reviews the home-schooling criteria annually to ensure they are relevant and up to date.