In a notice to the owners and principals of private schools, Permanent Secretary Pulandar Kandhi made reference to Act 9 of 1976 which states, “Except with the permission in writing of the Minister, no other person other than the Chief Education Officer, shall establish, maintain or manage any school or other place of education for the provision of nursery, elementary, secondary or further education, and any permission granted by the Minister shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Minister may deem fit to impose.”

The Permanent Secretary stated that the registration exercise is intended to update the data base of the Ministry of all private school providers at all levels; ensure that owners and principals of private schools operate within the confines of the Law; and ensure that ‘private providers satisfy the minimum standards established by the Ministry for the delivery of quality education.

He advised that persons who breach the provision of Act 9 of 1976 shall be subject to appropriate penalties.

Meanwhile, parents and guardians are being advised that several schools will accept children who are hearing impaired in Year One at the Nursery level and Grade one (Prep A) at the Primary level. These schools include South Road Nursery and Graham’s Hall Primary School in Georgetown; Prospect Nursery, Enmore Primary and Diamond Special Needs School in Region Four; and the New Amsterdam Special Needs School in Region Six.

Parents and guardians are advised to make available the child’s birth certificate and immunization/vaccination card for registration. Persons seeking additional information can contact the Region Four Education Department on Telephone # 220-3383 and the Head of the Georgetown Education Department on telephone # 226-0146. (GINA)