Minister of Education on the consequences of changes in kindergartens: "This would cause major turbulence"
Barbara Nowacka discusses the implications of a proposal to reduce kindergarten group sizes amid demographic shifts affecting educational employment.
Barbara Nowacka addressed concerns related to a proposal from the Razem party that suggests reducing the size of kindergarten groups from 25 to 18 children while maintaining funding. During her appearance on Polsat News, she highlighted that the demographic decline is now affecting kindergartens, sparking anxiety among educators regarding job security. As part of her ongoing discussions with teachers under the 'Compass of Tomorrow' initiative, job stability in the education sector has emerged as a paramount concern.
In her remarks, Nowacka emphasized the extensive scope of Poland's education system, which encompasses over five million students, 20 thousand schools, and 700 thousand teaching positions. She acknowledged the significant push from preschool educators for improved working conditions, with smaller groups seen as a legitimate demand. However, she indicated that any alterations to the system need to be part of comprehensive national reforms, considering the scale and impact on the workforce within education.
While the idea of smaller kindergarten groups is appealing to many teachers, Nowacka cautioned against immediate implementation, suggesting that such changes could lead to "major turbulence" in the sector. She advocates for a gradual transformation that ensures job preservation for educators while addressing the need for better teaching environments, highlighting the necessity for careful planning in reforming the education system in light of demographic challenges.