REVISED PRIMARY ONE REGISTRATION SCHEME

Mr Lew Syn Pau asked the Minister for Education how many children (percentage) were admitted at each phase of the revised Primary One Registration Scheme; how does this compare to the previous scheme; and whether he is satisfied that the revised scheme is more successful than the previous one.

The Minister for Education (Mr Lee Yock Suan): Sir, as 1992 was the transition year, it is appropriate to compare the registration exercise in 1993 under the revised registration scheme with that in 1991 under the previous scheme.

The new registration scheme focuses on the child's educational needs. It is desirable for siblings to study in the same school. Thus, the highest priority or Phase 1 is for a child with a sibling in the same school. In 1993, the percentage registered under Phase 1 is 41% as compared to 37% in 1991. The increase of four percentage points indicates that more children will study in the same primary school as their brothers and sisters. This is as it should be.

Phases 2A and 2B provide for children with other school connections. Previously, it also gave priority to children whose parents had followed various family planning policies. The percentage registered under these phases has declined from 15% in 1991 to 13% in 1993. Schools are thus admitting more children who live in the neighbourhood.

Mr Lew Syn Pau (Tanglin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I understand from reports in the press that some parents abused the new system by falsely declaring their place of residence, or that their children are fostered out. Would the Minister tell the House whether this was a serious problem and, if so, how he intends to prevent such recurrences in the future?

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Sir, I think the Member is referring to recent press reports about parents who made false statutory declarations about foster help or leaving their children with families in the neighbourhood of popular schools. There were some who also had addresses nearby and these were suspect. My Ministry has come out with a press statement. We take a serious view of such matters. We are still in the process of investigating. If there are any cases that are found to have abused the system, we will follow up with appropriate action. We are also in the process of reviewing the guidelines to see whether from next year there should be some changes to avoid such abuses.