The Ugandan government has introduced strict new standards for nursery schools to improve early childhood education quality, equity, and safety. Effective immediately, the reforms include a reduced teacher-to-learner ratio (1:25), capped class sizes (25 students), and a shortened school day (8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) with no homework. The guidelines, part of the Pre-Primary Basic Requirements and Minimum Standards framework, address longstanding issues such as inadequate licensing, disparities in infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers. Key requirements include formal teacher contracts, safer school environments (e.g., fenced premises, hazard-free spaces), and a play-based curriculum emphasizing life skills, cursive handwriting, and holistic development.
The policy follows Uganda’s updated Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) framework, which restricts nursery enrollment to children aged three and older. Challenges remain, including compliance with class-size limits and teacher qualification gaps, as noted by private education stakeholders. The reforms aim to bridge a stark urban-rural enrollment divide and ensure consistent, high-quality early learning opportunities nationwide.
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This summary is based on an article originally published by Uganda Standards on https://ugstandard.com . Read the full report here.
