Hanoi authorities have been seeking measures to tighten control over private kindergartens after the most recent child abuse case at Phuong Anh Kindergarten, HCM City.

 Child abuse at Phuong Anh Kindergarten (video clip from Tuoitre News)

The issue was discussed in a meeting held by the Hanoi Department of Education and Training (DET) on December 19.

A representative of the DET in Hai Ba Trung District, said they have about 18 private kindergartens and 68 households that provide child care services. Not only do they often carry out inspections, but they also hold training courses for the staff of private schools. Despite this, one centre on Vong Street was asked to halt its recruitment recently because they were operating without a license.

Meanwhile, the DET in Thach That District said they have just shut down 11 kindergartens because of the unhygienic food they served, poorly-trained staff and bad infrastructure. The DET in Chuong My District also said they have inspected and closed one third of kindergartens for being substandard.

At the meeting, many representatives agreed that their management work poses various challenges, such as the lack of personnel. Moreover, some ward and communal authorities have not administered strict punishments to unlicensed or substandard schools.

Nguyen Huu Do, head of Hanoi Department of Education and Training, suggested asking for help from local police in carrying out close inspections before granting licenses to private kindergartens.

"The local DETs must make clear the responsibility of individuals and ask public schools to work with private schools for better experience. We'll make the names and numbers of licensed schools public along with detailed information about enrollment targets and quality of staff," he said.