2.1
URAFT
Chapter 2
The Structure of Primary Education and Pre-primary Services
The Green Paper set out at considerable length the arguments
for maintaining the existing age of entry and course length for primary
schooling. Public comment has generally endorsed these views and the
Government accordingly intends that the primary course should be of six
years with the age of enrolment being normally at the age of 6 but as early
as 5 years 8 months if the parents so wish.
2.2
There was, however, some criticism of the Green Paper's proposals
in respect of the definition of kindergarten and child care centre services.
The Green Paper had proposed that a distinction should be drawn between the two
types of institution based essentially on the number of hours of operating each
day.
Kindergartens would not be allowed to receive any group of children for more
than four hours a day, while any institution permitting attendance for more than
four hours during a day or providing luncheon facilities (which indicates that
full day care may be intended) would need to be registered under the Child Care
Centres Crdinance.
2.3
The arguments adduced in favour of an alternative definition
based on age rather than hours of operation have been two-fold, namely:
(i) most younger children require the more
care-orientated approach offered by child
care centres, while the older age group of
4 and 5 year-olds are more capable of profiting
from a more structured approach to education;
(ii) child care centres providing full day care.
for the 4 and 5 year-olds, while necessary in some
cases, are probably not desired by the majority of parents.
CONFIDENTIAL
T