Nurseries and primary schools set to be linked

The Education ministry plans to compel each nursery to be affiliated to a primary school for easy transition of pupils.

Children will unconditionally progress to Standard One of a related primary school on attaining the age of six or having attended a nursery for a maximum of three years.

“The minimum duration of stay for a child enrolled in a pre-primary school shall be one year and shall not exceed three years,” say the Basic Education Regulations, 2014.

INTERVIEWS

A child progressing from a primary school to a secondary school will not be subjected to any interviews or pre-qualification examinations before being admitted, if the rules are approved.

The regulations give the county director of education powers to take affirmative action to enable children from minority groups and marginalised areas, and those with special needs to be admitted in secondary schools.

Schools will be expected to have records for every child, their place of residence and parents’ contacts.

“For one to qualify to teach in a pre-primary, primary, secondary or any other institution, one will have to be registered with the TSC (Teachers Service Commission) and must have undergone training,” say the regulations.

Schools and parents will be forbidden from forcing their children to repeat classes.

The rules also make it an offence for a school to force a parent to transfer a student or pupil to another institution without written approval of the county director of education.

“No child or learner in an institution of basic education and training shall be subjected to corporal punishment, intimidation, coercion or any other inhuman treatment,” warns the ministry.