PRIMARY ONE EDUCATION

Ms Braema Mathiaparanam asked the Minister for Education under the Compulsory Education Act, (a) how many children amongst those due for Primary 1 this year (2003) were given deferments on non-medical grounds; (b) what are the other approved reasons for exemptions; and (c) what is the process for getting these children into school.

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: a) This year, 55 children were granted deferment to enrol in Primary 1 on non-medical grounds. These children started their kindergarten education late. Their parents applied for deferment to enable them to complete their kindergarten education before entering Primary 1.

b) The following categories of children can be granted exemption from compulsory education (CE):

(i) Children given approval to attend designated schools. Up to 400 children given approval to attend the six madrasahs offering full-time religious education, and up to 10 children given approval to attend San Yu Adventist School will be granted exemption.

(ii) Children undergoing home-schooling. Approval will only be granted if the parents are able to satisfy MOE that the children will receive a strong foundation for further education and training, and develop a sense of national identity.

(iii) Children with special needs who are not able to follow the national curriculum in our schools. These children should be enrolled in a special education school where their needs can be met.

c) The Ministry will remind parents of all the children who are given deferment to enrol their children in Primary 1 in 2004. A registration pamphlet with information on P1 Registration will be sent to them before registration for Primary 1 commences in July 2003.