Reception class

During the Labour Party general conference, the delegates approved a proposal to add an extra year between kindergarten and primary school. No serious discussion took place and this proposal was simply approved by a show of hands. It is serious as much as it is unacceptable that the educational process of our children is decided in this way.

The extra year proposed by the MLP will have a serious effect on the educational process of young children. All children will be made to repeat a year for no reason whatsoever. This will mean that our children will automatically lose a year and will eventually finish secondary school at the age of 17. The fact that the MLP did not deem it necessary to consult the Malta Union of Teachers on this matter makes it even more unacceptable.

No serious analysis was made; Labour did not take into account what this proposal would mean both financially and logistically.

Are there enough teachers available to add this extra year in all schools in Malta and Gozo? Did the MLP calculate how much this extra year would cost for those parents who send their children to private schools? It is pretty obvious that this proposal would mean a heavy financial burden on us parents. Labour just dished out this proposal without taking into account the needs of children, teachers and parents.

It is totally unacceptable that the future of our children is dealt with in such an irresponsible manner.

Now more than ever, the future of our children is really at stake. I appeal to the MLP to keep its hands off the education of our children.