I REFER to a recent commentary in the press on whether pre-schools should be nationalised.

The Government recognises the importance of pre-school education and is concerned whether children below age six would be able to attend pre-school regardless of their financial background.

Pre-schools are run by the PAP Community Foundation and private companies. Some private pre-schools distinguish themselves by hiring well-qualified teachers to deliver an attractive, interesting curriculum.

However, not every family can afford to send their children to the pricier private pre-schools, especially low-income and middle-income households.

With this in mind, children do not start off on an equal footing.

Should pre-schools be nationalised, the Government needs to ensure that former private institutions are still granted autonomy and can exercise creativity when it comes to planning their curricula.

Mr Teo Kueh Liang

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