Sweeping changes to education laws a victory for early childhood development
The Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill will introduce sweeping changes to the schooling system in South Africa.
The bill will bring about a raft of changes including grade R schooling for children aged 4 and above.
Educational expert professor Mary Metcalf hailed the proposed amendments dubbing it a victory for early childhood development (ECD).
The current school admission age is seven years.
Metcalf emphasises that the admission would be voluntary and subject to the availability of the resources of the school and prioritising children of school bearing age.
Grade R schooling for children aged 4 will be available at schools and community centres and organisations.
"The bill is going to have lots of impact," says Metcalf.
"The whole area of early childhood development is moving to the Department of Basic Education from the Department of Social Development.
"So much local government work is in supporting ECD centres.
"We also would like to see government make sure that ECD centres are safe, secure, have the facilities and registered because ECD is so important in the cognitive and social development of the child."
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