XN000022-1997-01-08 — Page 63

End

-

48

(d)

(e)

All private tutorial schools, being registered under the Education Ordinance, are subject to the same level of supervision by the Education Department as any other schools. They are required to comply with the laws and regulations concerned, including the provisions on approved accommodation and requirements on hygiene and fire prevention. To ensure continued compliance by all private tutorial schools, site inspections are frequently carried out. Warnings will be issued if irregularities are found and further follow-up inspections will be conducted. Legal action will be taken against persistent offenders.

School operators are made aware of the registration requirements through existing guidelines. The Education Department, in consultation with relevant authorities, has recently reviewed the procedures of applications for registration with a view to speeding up the process. To further enhance the deterrent effect and to reduce irregularities, the Department will step up its monitoring and prosecution actions against persistent offenders. The level of penalties is currently under review to preserve its deterrent effect.