Gov't establishing infant departments in more primary schools

Minister of Education Senator Ruel Reid says the Early Childhood Commission is currently working with the ministry's regional team to establish 14 infant departments across the island under the Early Childhood Rationalisation Programme.

In a ministerial statement to the Upper House on Friday, Reid said the Government had allocated $50 million in the Budget last year for renovation or modification works in primary institutions to create infant departments in 30 schools.

He reported that, to date, works on 28 schools have been completed and two others are close to completion.

The education minister said that another $50 million has been earmarked in this year's Budget to carry out additional renovation works in primary schools to create infant departments.

Discussing the benefits to be derived from this policy, Reid said that in the short term, children in all parishes will be provided with access to quality early-childhood services that will positively impact their development.

"In the long run, high-quality early-childhood provision will result in improved student performance at the primary and secondary levels and a reduction in remedial education and social dependence ..." Reid said.