Every year in India, the academic season brings a whirlwind of activity. Students stress over exams, parents anxiously await results, and the scramble for admissions, particularly into Class 1, reaches a fever pitch during this period of time. Traditionally, there has been a wide variation in the age criteria for Class 1 entry across different states. However, the recent implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has sparked a crucial debate: should six years old be the mandatory age for entering Class 1?

Prior to the NEP, the age for Class 1 admission fluctuated between five and six, depending on a child’s birth date and individual state-specific cut-off dates. This inconsistency created confusion for parents and educators alike. Children born in the latter half of the year could potentially face a disadvantage, starting school a year younger than their peers. Additionally, the lack of a uniform system meant variations in curriculum and teaching styles across states, further disrupting the academic journey for students moving to a different location.

The NEP aims to standardize the system by mandating a minimum age of six for Class 1 entry. This move aligns with international best practices and aims to ensure a smoother academic journey for students, regardless of their state of residence.

Building a strong foundation

The Ministry of Education (MoE) believes that delaying formal education allows for better physical and mental development in children. Experts argue that a later entry age provides opportunities for a stronger foundation in early learning, particularly for numeracy and literacy skills. Studies conducted in Finland and other Nordic countries, known for their high academic performance, show that delaying formal education until the age of seven can positively influence long-term learning outcomes. This suggests that children who are not developmentally ready for structured academic environments might struggle later on, potentially leading to frustration, disengagement, and a negative association with learning.

Focusing on holistic development

Brain development is a complex process, with significant milestones occurring around the age of five. Entering Class 1 introduces children to formal writing tools like pencils and notebooks, as well as structured learning environments. Allowing them to reach a stage of greater physical and cognitive maturity can be beneficial. Specific aspects of cognitive development, such as focus, attention span, and emotional regulation, are crucial for successful learning and are known to solidify closer to the age of six. Delaying formal education allows for more time to develop these crucial skills through play-based learning and exploration in pre-primary programs.

Dispelling myths

Understandably, some parents worry about losing valuable learning years if their children enter Class 1 later, particularly in a society that often emphasizes early academic achievement.  This anxiety stems from a competitive academic environment where parents might feel pressured to push their children ahead. Here, the onus lies on schools and educational authorities to address these concerns through open communication and awareness campaigns.

Role of schools

Schools, particularly private institutions, can play a crucial role in spreading awareness about the advantages of delayed formal education. Parent-teacher meetings and workshops can be used to educate parents on brain development and highlight the potential benefits of a stronger foundational learning experience. Additionally, schools can bridge the gap by creating high-quality pre-primary programs (age 3-6) that go beyond rote learning and rote memorization.

These programs should focus on holistic development through play, exploration, and activities that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, social interaction, and emotional intelligence. This prepares children for the transition to formal education in Class 1 with a strong foundation and a love for learning.

Collaboration for implementation

The shift towards a later Class 1 entry age represents a significant change in India’s educational landscape. While the NEP has laid the groundwork, successful implementation requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders:

• Government: The MoE needs to provide continuous support and resources to states to ensure smooth implementation across the country. This includes capacity building for teachers and early childhood education (ECE) providers by offering training workshops on child development and best practices in pre-primary education. Additionally, financial assistance might be necessary to support the establishment of quality pre-primary programs, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas.
• Schools: Schools, both government and private, have a responsibility to educate parents about the rationale behind the age change. They can also explore ways to bridge the gap by creating high-quality pre-primary programs that nurture holistic development in young children. Additionally, schools can review and revise their curriculum for Class 1 to ensure it aligns with the developmental needs of six-year-old children.
• Parents: Parents play a vital role in understanding the importance of age-appropriate learning. By seeking information and engaging with education professionals, they can make informed decisions about their children’s education.  They can also become advocates for change within their communities.  Spreading awareness about the benefits of a later Class 1 entry age among other parents and friends can help create a more supportive environment for this policy shift.

Furthermore, by actively participating in school events and meetings, parents can voice their concerns and suggestions, fostering a collaborative approach to ensure a smooth and successful transition for their children. Ultimately, by understanding the rationale behind the age change and embracing a holistic approach to early childhood education, parents can empower their children to thrive throughout their academic journey.

Sum & substance

The revision of the age criterion for Class 1 admissions represents a significant stride towards transforming the Indian education system in accordance with global best practices. By mandating six years for Class 1 admission, the Ministry of Education seeks to ensure that children embark on their academic journey fully equipped to meet the challenges of primary education. This initiative underscores a commitment to encouraging holistic development and laying a robust foundation for lifelong learning among India’s young learners. As the nation continues its journey towards educational reform, prioritizing developmental readiness and equitable access to quality education will be pivotal in shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Ramakant Chaudhary is senior journalist and currently working with PRP Group as Content Head. He has worked in various editorial roles with Financial Express, Mint (Hindustan Times Group), The Times Of India, Jagran Post (Dainik Jagran Group), The Pioneer, and The Political and Business Daily. He writes on politics, government policy, economy, infrastructure, real estate, social issues, lifestyle, and health.

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Salient features of the new guidelines

Activities permitted from 15^th October 2020, in areas outside the Containment Zones

• Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes will be permitted to open with upto 50% of their seating capacity, for which, SOP will be issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
• Business to Business (B2B) Exhibitions will be permitted to open, for which, SOP will be issued by the Department of Commerce.
• Swimming pools being used for training of sportspersons will be permitted to open, for which the standard operating procedure (SOP) will be issued by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYA&S).
• Entertainment parks and similar places will be permitted to open, for which the SOP will be issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).

Opening of Schools, colleges, education institutions and coaching institutions

• For re-opening of schools and coaching institutions, State/ UT Governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision after 15^th October 2020, in a graded manner.  The decision shall be taken in consultation with the respective school/ institution management, based on their assessment of the situation, and subject to the following conditions:

• Online/ distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.
• Where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school, they may be permitted to do so.
• Students may attend schools/ institutions only with the written consent of parents.
• Attendance must not be enforced, and must depend entirely on parental consent.
• States /UTs will prepare their own SOP regarding health and safety precautions for reopening of schools/ institutions based on the SOP to be issued by Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, keeping local requirements in view.
• Schools, which are allowed to open, will have to mandatorily follow the SOP to be issued by Education Departments of States/ UTs.

• Department of Higher Education (DHE), Ministry of Education may take a decision on the timing of the opening of Colleges/ Higher Education Institutions, in consultation with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), based on the assessment of the situation. Online/ distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.

• However, Higher Education Institutions only for research scholars (Ph.D) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/ experimental works will be permitted to open from 15^th October, 2020, as under:
  1. For Centrally Funded Higher Education Institutions, the Head of Institution will satisfy herself/ himself that there is a genuine requirement of research scholars (Ph.D) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream for laboratory/experimental works.
  2. For all other Higher Education Institutions e.g. State Universities, Private Universities etc., they may open only for research scholars (Ph.D) and postgraduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/experimental works as per decision to be taken by the respective State/UT Governments.

Regulation of gatherings

• Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions and other congregations have already been permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, outside Containment Zones only.  Now State/ UT Governments have been given the flexibility to permit such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons, outside Containment Zones, after 15^th October 2020, which will be subject to the following conditions:

• In closed spaces, a maximum of 50% of the hall capacity will be allowed, with a ceiling of 200 persons. Wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and use of hand wash or sanitizer will be mandatory.
• In open spaces, keeping the size of the ground/ space in view, and with strict observance of social distancing, mandatory wearing of face masks, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer.

To ensure that such gatherings do not spread COVID-19, State/ UT Governments will issue detailed SOPs to regulate such gathering, and strictly enforce the same.

• All activities, except the following, shall be permitted outside containment zones:
  1. International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA.
• Lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till 31^st October, 2020.
• Containment Zones shall be demarcated by the District authorities at micro level after taking into consideration the guidelines of MoHFW with the objective of effectively breaking the chain of transmission. Strict containment measures will be enforced in these containment zones and only essential activities will be allowed.
• Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained and only essential activities allowed.
• These Containment Zones will be notified on the websites of the respective District Collectors and by the States/ UTs and information will also be shared with MOHFW.

States not to impose any local lockdown outside Containment Zones

• State/ UT Governments shall not impose any local lockdown (State/ District/ sub-division/City/ village level), outside the containment zones, without prior consultation with the Central Government.

No restriction on Inter-State and intra-State movement

• There shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements

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At Suncity School, the faculty has prepared a daily timetable and videos on the remaining portion of the syllabus for every class. Mrs Rupa Chakravarty, Director- Suncity School said: “We started classes for I to IX from 1st April as the school re-opened for them. For classes X and XII we have been doing online teaching from the past three weeks. Teachers are using podcasts, presentations for concept initiation and live teaching for Concept elucidation. The medium which we are using to project this to students is through Microsoft Teams and ZOOM for the class meetings and the School Management system. The assignments are to be submitted through MS TEAMS. The class includes yoga and performing and fine ARTS, puppet storytelling sessions too.

Blue Bells Group of Schools has also taken various measures to ensure that education does not suffer due to the disruption caused by COVID-19.

Anshuka Aneja, Deputy Director IT, Blue Bells Group of Schools said. “At Blue Bells, we have already started with our E-learning programme under which we are conducting online teaching sessions for all classes, through video conferencing. Teachers are working from home and preparing the required study material and assignments and posting them for the students’ reference. The IT team is conducting online training to support the faculty on new platforms. It is a well-structured programme that will ensure that students do not miss out on their learning because of this unexpected event.”

Schools have also taken into consideration the factor that a lot of parents might be working from home and hence have devised e-modules in such a way that requires minimum parental support. At Matrikiran School, the focus is on not only academic but also on life skills to ensure the overall well-being of students.

“Educators at MatriKiran have sought ways to ensure that all students are able to access and engage with the digital materials, resources, and tools they are receiving for learning. Students are delighted to engage in life skills, physical education, yoga, dance, music, craft, best out of waste and art. We have considered the gap between students who have access to and use technology in meaningful ways to further their learning and those who do not have reliable internet or students who must share devices among family members, can struggle to continue learning. Keeping in mind that parents might either be working from home or not able to help much, lesson plans are designed in a manner that does not require a lot of parental support. Said, Jyoti Guha, Principal, MatriKiran School.

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The central government had on Sunday confirmed five (5) new cases who had travel history to Italy.
Meanwhile, a factory worker who came in contact with the coronavirus positive businessman from Agra, has also tested positive. The new patient was admitted to Agra district hospital while three suspected patients from Aligarh and four from Siddhartha Nagar have been quarantined.

This takes the total number of cases to 41 in the country. The coronavirus outbreak has spread to over 90 countries with over 1 lakh cases worldwide.

After five fresh coronavirus cases in the state, the Kerala government on Sunday issued a renewed alert and warned action against those hiding travel history to affected nations.

Pathanamthitta district in Kerala has declared holiday for all educational institutes for the next three days. In neighbouring Kottayam also, schools and colleges have been ordered shut.

Meanwhile, pre-primary sections of most schools in Bengaluru will remain shut until further notice as a precautionary step following rising cases of COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, in the country, the Karnataka government has said

Schools were shut in several states across the country, including primary schools in the Capital, as the number of cases due to the novel coronavirus rose to 39 in India. As part of efforts to contain the spread of the infection, three people who returned from coronavirus-affected regions in the past nine day were yesterday quarantined for suspected exposure in Indore in Madhya Pradesh. Assam, too, quarantined at least 400 people after they came in contact with an American tourist who tested positive for the virus in Bhutan after travelling through the state recently.

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The ministry advised that any student or staff with travel history to any COVID-19 affected country or in contact with such persons in the last 28 days should be monitored and quarantined at home for 14 days.
Class teachers have been asked to remain alert of any possible signs and symptoms among students like coughing, fever or difficulty in breathing and immediately inform the parents to get them tested. Ask parents not to send child back to school till advised so by the treating doctor,” the advisory said. It has also asked schools to place alcohol-based hand sanitiser at various spots and advised monitoring students staying in hostels.

The ministry also asked them to ensure availability of soap and water in restrooms at all times. It also urged for maintaining simple public health measures of hand and respiratory hygiene like washing hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water and using alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

“Everyone should cover their mouth with a tissue/handkerchief when they cough or sneeze and wash their hands afterwards. Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth. Everyone should throw away used tissues in a bin and wash their hands after contact with coughing or sneezing,” said the advisory.

The advisory further stated frequently touched surfaces like door knobs, switches, desktops, hand railing should be disinfected.

It said that anybody having signs and symptoms (cough, fever, or difficulty in breathing) to contact the dedicated helpline numbers at 011-23978046 or visit public health facility with a mask or mouth covered.

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Pune district collector Naval Kishore Ram has declared a holiday in schools and colleges of Pune city,  Purandar, Baramati, Bhor and Haveli Tehsils. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolence over the loss of lives due to rains and said that the government is providing all the necessary help. 

Three NDRF teams have been deployed in Pune and Baramati to carry out search and rescue operations. Meanwhile, the state government is also closely monitoring the dam discharge, Fadnavis said.

Six people were killed after a wall collapsed in Sahkarnagar area on Wednesday while four others died in other rain-related incidents. Almost 150 houses are damaged due to a sudden flow of water from upstream with full force. On Thursday morning, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) recovered a body from a vehicle in a canal near Sinhagad road in Pune. On Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted severe thunderstorm in Mumbai and adjoining regions of Maharashtra.

Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in parts of Pune city. Several low-lying areas in and around Pune were flooded as heavy rain lashed the city, news agency ANI reported. At least eleven people have lost their lives in different rain-related incidents in Pune since Wednesday. While five people were killed after a wall collapsed in Sahakar Nagar area following heavy rainfall on Wednesday, one person was found dead in the same locality. Another body was found in a car which was washed away near Sinhgad road.In view of the bad weather, Pune district collector Naval Kishore Ram has declared holiday on Thursday in all schools and colleges in Purandar, Baramati, Bhor and Haveli tehsil.

Water-logging was reported in Sinhgad Road, Dhanakwadi, Balajinagar, Ambegaon, Sahakar Nagar, Parvati, Kolhewadi and Kirkatwadi. Fire Brigade chief Prashant Ranpise said that officials are helping the people stranded in flooded areas. In Kshitij Society of Bibwewadi region, a tree collapsed of parked vehicles causing heavy damages. In Hinjewadi and Wakad, rains caused heavy traffic jam in the evening. Several commuters including employees of major IT companies were left stranded for hours.

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