Preschool: Free Education Abolished in 2026, Confusion and Concern in the Sector

Starting January 2026, private pre-primary schools will receive Rs 2,750 per child each month, replacing the reimbursement for their operational costs. Administrators will need to cover various expenses themselves. This announcement, which emerged from the recent budget, has caught many by surprise, especially regarding its timing.

The Free Pre-Primary Education Scheme will come to an end at the close of this year. From January 2026, private pre-schools will receive Rs 2,750 monthly. Additionally, they will have to incur other expenses necessary for the proper functioning of an institution, such as salaries and rent, among others. However, it is noted that operational details are yet to be finalized.

It is important to note that this measure applies only to parents who choose a private pre-school for their child. Other families can enroll their children in units attached to public primary schools, district councils, or municipalities.

Subsidized Schools in Uncertainty

Following the exclusive announcement in Le Défi Quotidien on October 10, regarding the end of free education starting January 2026, Malini Poonoosamy, President of the Grant-In-Aid Pre-Primary School Management Association (GIAPPSMA), sounds the alarm. In a message to association members, she calls for vigilance, patience, and, above all, urgent dialogue with authorities.

This communication follows the government’s announcement during the budget speech in June 2025, which indicates the removal of free pre-primary education by January 2026. According to her, this decision raises numerous questions and generates considerable concern in the educational sector. "We are still waiting for an official statement from the Early Childhood Care and Education Authority (ECCEA) or the Ministry of Education," she specifies.

To date, no formal directives have been sent to the affected establishments. This situation has prompted Malini Poonoosamy to request a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger for clarification.

She explains that the Grant-In-Aid (GIA) program, which allows approximately 421 nursery schools to operate with state support, is directly threatened by this measure. "Registrations in government and municipal schools closed on September 30, and the capacity is already full. This situation creates a worrying gap for many families and institutions," she states.

Three Discussion Points Identified by GIAPPSMA:

1. The positioning of the GIA program in light of the end of free education.
2. The direct impact on schools, parents, and students.
3. The breach of the two-year contract signed with the ECCEA, which linked the institutions to the state.

Malini Poonoosamy also raises the following questions:

1. What solutions will be offered to children who did not secure a spot in public schools?
2. What future for pre-primary schools currently under the GIA regime?
3. What will happen to the teaching and administrative staff of these institutions? Many may find themselves in a state of professional uncertainty.

Our interlocutor emphasizes the need for direct dialogue with government authorities. She underscores that this decision could impact thousands of families, school owners, managers, and teachers, calling for a fair, transparent, and swift resolution.