Private schools should comply with the Education Ministry''s decision on postponing classes of kindergarten children and people with special needs, said an official Tuesday. The Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Fahad AlـGhais told KUNA the decision was signed last Thursday and was sent to the Union of Private Schools on Sept. 6.
According to the decision, classes must be postponed for two months, he pointed out.
The Education Ministry''s Private Education Department has also urged all private schools to report all swine flu and suspected cases, he added. AlـGhais also announced that private schools have been invited to receive special equipment meant for combating swine flu. The concerned schools include Pakistani, Indian and Filipino private schools. The official added that the move is in line with an agreement reached between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health.
Regarding the government''s decision to reopen schools gradually, the assistant undersecretary pointed out that the decision doesn''t concern private schools.
He, however, called on these schools to follow the instructions and guidelines issued regarding the swine flu contingency plan. He urged private schools to immediately report any swine flu cases, to the Private Education Directorate, in accordance with the circular issued to all private schools.
On the Cabinet''s decision to postpone the reopening of nurseries and kindergartens as well as schools for people with special needs, he explained that the decision does not concern students with slowـlearning abilities

Alwatan Daily