In statements after the meeting, DISY MP George Karoullas expressed satisfaction with the consultation conducted by the Ministry of Education for the preparation of a bill that will regulate the operation of dance schools and conservatories.
He added that the Education Committee is awaiting the results of the consultation and the mapping that is being done in order to contribute creatively to the establishment of the legal framework.
With regard to the planning permission for private tuition schools Mr. He welcomed the information from the Education Committee that the Ministry of Education is preparing a letter with a specific analysis to the competent authorities in order to give priority for planning permissions or certificates of final approval. He further stated that the summer vacation time should be used by the licensing authorities to expedite licensing and intensify inspections with regard to the implementation of planning permission legislation. He stressed that the Education Committee would not grant another extension, recognising that safety and health in private schools should not be subject to negotiation.
After stating that conservatories and dance schools are an important part of the country's cultural activity, AKEL MP Christos Christofides added that the absence of a legal framework governing their operation led to the almost complete arbitrariness that has been established.
The AKEL MP explained that the existing legislation regulates the operation of dance schools, modern and classical ballet and jazz dance, which is not implemented because the advisory committee provided for in the legislation has never been appointed.
He also said that as a result of the situation created is the disparity in the VAT rate paid, the issue of qualifications of those who teach and the certificates of attendance given and a number of other issues affecting thousands of children.
Mr. Christofides said that as part of the discussion of the issue, the Education Committee set a specific timetable for the Ministry of Education to come back to the Education Committee with a comprehensive legislative proposal that effectively regulates all these issues. He added that the Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of the timetables set.
Responding to questions from reporters, Christofides said that there is an issue with the recognition of certificates, as well as the required qualifications of instructors-teachers for legally valid schools. He also said that there may be safety issues for children, since in the absence of a legal framework the required checks are not carried out.
DIPA MP Alekos Tryfonidis[/B] referred to the Education Committee's briefing on the learning of the English language in public schools, saying that for the umpteenth time the need to strengthen the English language course at B1 level was noted, in order to enable students to apply for places in schools and universities abroad.
He added that further strengthening of this course is also necessary to significantly reduce the need to learn English outside public schools.
Referring to the Education Committee's briefing on the State Training Institutes, the PPP MP said they reiterated that private contracts should be signed with the teachers who teach in the CTIs so that they are guaranteed and enjoy the rights that all employees have and their educational experience should be recognised for the purpose of appointment in public education.
With regard to the operation of dance schools and conservatories, Mr. Tryfonides said that the existing legislation should be implemented and a competent committee should be established to inspect the facilities of these schools and the qualifications of the teachers who teach in them.
In relation to the discussion held on the delay in issuing a certificate of approval for the use of premises as private tuition schools and the failure to comply with the provisions of the Law on the Establishment and Operation of Private Tuition Schools, Mr. Tryfonides said that serious problems arise in safety and health issues.
Finally, he said that the Education Committee asked the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Urban Planning to submit to the Committee the list of about 100 tutorial schools, which do not even have the original planning permission.
He finally said that it is a universal requirement that children's education be provided in a safe and healthy environment and by qualified teachers.
Source: CNA
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