1. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION- KP’S STATUS By Abid Ullah Kakakhel, Dy Secretary/ Provincial Coordinator for Provision of Free Text Books Elementary & Secondary Education Department Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 16 th September, 2014

2. ASER data for 2011-2013 suggest only 1 in 10 three years old and 1 in 3 four years old is in pre-school. Around 3 in 4 five years old are in school. Of these, few will come ready to learn as a result of preparation in one or two years of semi structured early childhood education.

3. ASER data for 2011-2013 suggest approximately two thirds of 3-5 year olds who are enrolled in pre school or school are in government institutions. Of those children enrolled in non government institutions, just 4% are enrolled in madrassas. The vast majority attend private schools.

4. Barriers to ECE in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  Lack of awareness about the importance and benefits of Early Childhood Education, leading to low demand for services.  Constrained supply, with few pre-school facilities available in existing primary schools.  Lack of fiscal space in education budget to finance development of specialist facilities.  Limited discussion to date of this issue among government departments and partners.

5. Provincial Legal Framework  The provincial government is obliged to provide free, compulsory education to all children aged 5-16 years under Article 25A of the 18 th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan.  The constitutional amendment does not therefore explicitly address Early Childhood Education.  A draft bill on the right to education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa exists, including provision for Early Childhood Education. Government is currently consulting with international and provincial stakeholders.

6. Early Childhood Education Policy  The Elementary & Secondary Education Department is producing a new sector plan to 2019/20 during the second half of 2014.  The new plan will include policy, a clear approach to phasing in Early Childhood Education, and an indicative resource envelope for this work.  The approach will build on pilot work taking place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with financial support from Australia and technical delivery through Save The Children.

7. Early Childhood Education Initiatives  Government is working with 400 schools in Abbottabad, Battagram, Buner and Peshawar districts over three years, using Australian funding and technical delivery through Save The Children.  This work will be rolled out, subject to available fiscal space and promising outcomes in pilot districts.  Construction of 500 new ECE rooms in primary schools  6 rooms Primary schools instead of two rooms

8. THANKS