At the beginning of another school year there are still learners who have not been placed at a school. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says they have received over 32 000 late applications for the 2022 school year.
Its spokesperson Bronagh Hammond says a lot of effort has gone into accommodating learners. However, the department is still receiving late applications every day.
Each year it calls on all parents and guardians to enrol their children before the applications close. The WCED says late applications make the task of placing learners difficult.
“Despite more than 32 000 late applications, and still counting, the WCED has worked hard to place as many learners as possible for the start of the 2022 school year,” Hammond said.
“Placement has been stalled in some instances given the closure of schools. Additional placements can be made at the start of the school year.”
She said the number of unplaced Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners at the beginning of 2021 was lower compared to the numbers of December 2020.
“By 11 January 2021 there were 575 Grade 1s and 3 014 Grade 8s who still had to be placed in Western Cape schools. This in comparison to December 2020, when 4 624 Grade 1 learners were unplaced, and 8 765 Grade 8 learners were unplaced.”
Hammond added that while the department celebrated a reduction in numbers compared to last year it was still fighting a moving target, for late applications were still being received.
She said this made planning very difficult, and asked that parents remain patient while the WCED tried to assist everyone.
“Parents who have not yet applied should contact their district office and fill in a placement form so it can be logged on our system. We ask parents ensure they do give us the right contact details, and answer their phones as we attempt to get hold of some parents during this period.”
In the meantime the WCED has implemented a few measures to help relieve the pressure on the placement of learners.
This includes 590 additional teaching posts effective from 1 January 2022, adding new brick and mortar classrooms to existing schools, and placing mobile classrooms in areas of high demand.
Parents who have not yet enrolled their children and those who have not been placed yet can contact the Cape Winelands Education District.
They should feel free to call 023 348 4601 or email Linda.ntlombeni@westerncape.gov.za.
