It is wrong for the national curriculum framework to assume that all children, including those with social problems, have a yearning for schooling, according to Labour Party education spokesman Evarist Bartolo.

“The proposals... impose a grey uniformity that will not benefit anyone. How will this help those from disadvantaged social backgrounds,” Mr Bartolo wondered.

Echoing concerns raised by the Malta Union of Teachers last week, he said that the new education reform had to be accompanied by a social and educational policy that would help disadvantaged children succeed.

He said the reform in the educational system was necessary and inevitable but there had to be more consultation with all involved. The PL’s feedback was based on the principles of human rights, social justice and economic development. Mr Bartolo said he was worried that the reform focused mainly on the latter.

The draft failed to address important issues such as absenteeism, bullying and lack of discipline. It also failed to take stock of the prevailing situation and ask essential questions.

Young children needed to be medically screened to ensure that those with learning difficulties were given help from day one.

The Education Ministry welcomed Mr Bartolo’s observations adding it eagerly awaited the PL’s concrete proposals.

“These proposals will be studied in depth during the analysis process starting early next year, together with the voluminous feedback still being received from different stakeholders, including teachers in all schools,” the ministry said.