Addressing concerns about early school start

DEPUTY Education Minister Wong Kah Woh recently revealed that the number of applications nationwide for six-year-olds to begin Year One in 2027 has fallen short of the Education Ministry’s earlier projections (“Fewer pupils, fewer teachers”, The Star, June 25).

Though voluntary, the early Year One enrollment policy has caused a debate among parents – as well as unnecessary stress and panic. While concerns are understandable, it is important to consider carefully what children require at this particular stage of development.