The Education Ministry will hold further sessions with kindergarten operators and parents to clarify the optional Year One entry at age six policy
GEORGE TOWN: The Ministry of Education will continue engagement sessions with private kindergarten operators and parents regarding the enrolment of six-year-olds into Year One.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry is open to feedback and prepared to hold further discussions to address any concerns.
She clarified that claims preschool operators back the ‘Year One at six’ policy are misleading, as meeting attendance does not imply approval.
Fadhlina stressed that entry into Year One at age six is optional, not mandatory, for implementation from 2027 under the new curriculum.
Parents who feel their child is ready for Year One can proceed, while others can continue as usual, she added.
She also reassured parents, especially in rural areas, that government preschools will continue to accept six-year-olds.
“There is no problem for us to continue the engagement sessions to provide clarification,” Fadhlina told reporters after an event here.
The minister was responding to reports of dissatisfaction from some private kindergarten operators regarding parts of the policy.
MCA Penang’s Chan Wooi Jin said the government should conduct a thorough study and hold dialogues on the matter.
