Follow-up Actions When Children Do Not Register for Primary 1 in National Schools

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Education (a) what follow-up actions are taken by the Ministry when a child does not register for Primary 1 in a national primary school; and (b) whether the Ministry is reviewing and strengthening these follow-up actions.

The Compulsory Education Act requires all Singaporean children above the age of six and below the age of 15 who are residing in Singapore to regularly attend a national primary school, unless they are exempted from doing so.

When a child is not registered for Primary 1, the Ministry of Education (MOE) takes steps to locate the child and engage the child’s parents or legal guardians to provide advice and guidance on schooling matters, including facilitating the child’s placement into a suitable school. Where needed, MOE works with other Government agencies, such as the Ministry of Social and Family Development and social service organisations, such as the Family Service Centres, to support the child and the family.

MOE may escalate the case to the Compulsory Education Board, which is empowered to summon the parents and child for a formal hearing. Legal action may also be taken against uncooperative parents.

Over the years, MOE has enhanced processes to more quickly contact parents who have not registered their child for Primary 1, as well as to support families in placing their child in a suitable school.