Children who were not exposed to Grade R learning are mainly those from disadvantaged households, which in turn puts them at a learning disadvantage.

This is according to Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Education at Wits University, Ruksana Osman. Her comments come as attendance from Grade R could soon become mandatory if amendments get approved to the Schools’ Act.

This bill looks at critqeueing official languages as subject choices, corporal punishment, and code of conduct of schools amongst others. Osman adds that Grade R becoming compulsory it creates a fair opportunity for all children to quality education from a young age.

[Picture: File / Radio 786]