Question 12
Reply by the Hon. Michael Leung, JP, Director of Education, to a Legislative Council Question by the Hon. Mrs. Pauline Ng
on 6 February 1985
Question : Since the introduction of nine-year compulsory
education, has Government taken any action against those parents who refrain from sending their children to school?
Sir,
I confirm that my Department has taken action
against those parents who refrain from sending their
children to school.
First, Student Guidance Officers give advice to the parents concerned and try to persuade them to send their
children back to school. Where necessary, cases are referred
to the Social Welfare Department or the Special Education
Section of my Department for further advice or help.
District Education Officers also assist in seeking school
placement for the children concerned.
If there are no good reasons for non-attendance and if repeated advice fails, the parent will be warned
verbally and then in writing. The written warning requires
the parent to cause the child to resume schooling within
14 days. If this still fails to result in any positive
action by the parent, an attendance order under Section 74
of the Education Ordinance will be served.
Over the years most parents have taken our advice
and it was necessary to issue attendance orders in six cases
only.