Draft code for playschools released – Tamil Nadu

In an apparent attempt to regulate playschools in Tamil Nadu, the Department of School Education has released the draft code of regulations, inviting comments and opinion from the public before June 22.

According to the draft code, made available on the department website (www.tn.gov.in/ schooleducation), playschools shall admit only children who have completed one and half years of age as on July 31 of the year. Not more than 15 students will be admitted to a class and children considered for admission should live within one km radius from the school, it says.

On the functioning of the playschools, the code says schools shall work for not more than three hours a day, opening not earlier than 9.30 a.m. and closing not later than 12.30 p.m. The school shall have a break of 15 minutes for every one hour.

The playschool could provide food and snacks with the consent of the parent. The cost of the feeding, food and snacks shall be met either by the school or by the parent, as the case may be.

The code also outlines guidelines on medical care to be made available in playschools, in addition to commenting on matters pertaining to curriculum, school transportation and other amenities.

Draft Code is available on | http://www.tn.gov.in/schooleducation/draft_regulations/draftcode_regulations_playschool_090615.pdf

Source | The Hindu | 10 June 2015