I’ve recently noticed that so-called “international nurseries and preschools” are being established all over Phuket.
Do these schools have to follow certain procedures and obtain permits to operate as such, or can anyone just open and call themselves an “international nursery and preschool”?
Do the buildings they operate in have to meet certain safety standards? What about their playgrounds – do they have to have some liability insurance ?
Are the backgrounds of the owners, directors and teachers properly checked, bearing in mind the different scandals in the past involving foreign teachers?
Walter G Goossens, Chalong
Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:21:00 AM
It is legal for private schools and nurseries to operate without a license from the Ministry of Education (MoE), though we cannot guarantee their quality.
No international nurseries in Phuket have a license yet, although some have applications in progress.
There are four MoE-licensed international pre-schools in Phuket. They are the British International School (BIS), Quality School International (QSI), Kajonkietsuksa School and Rawai Progressive International School.
In order to issue an MoE license, we have to check the building, the safety standards and the school director’s background. The schools must have liability insurance for their playgrounds. It is the responsibility of the school director to check the backgrounds of any teachers they employ.
For more information, contact Phuket Educational Service Area Office on Maeluan Rd in Phuket City (Tel: 076-211591; Fax: 076-214553).
Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:21:00 AM
An officer with the Phuket Educational Service Area Office