1 No. The Basic and Seniot Secotulary Edlzration Act 2023

a BILL to tlc Sieta lzone Geette Exrroodir@y Yol. CLXII{ No- 19 dated l2th April, 2O2i TIIE BASICAT\D SENIoR SBCONDARY EDUCAIIONACf, 21123 ENACTED by the kesident aad Members of Partiament in this present Parliarnent assembled. short rirl.. / Date of cornmcnc6mentt 1 No. The Basic and Seniot Secotulary Edlzration Act 2023 Interpretatioo PARTI-+RELIMINARY In this Act, unless the context otierwise requires- "affirmatire action" means &e practice or policy of favouring individuals belonging to gouPs regarded as disadvantaged or subje.t to discrimination; "autism spectrum disorder" means a developmental disabili! caused by differences in the brain and a child with autism spectnm disorder may behave, commruricate, interact and leatn in $ays that are dillereot from most other children; "basic education" means formal schoo'ling provided frompre-primary' 1 to junior secoadary 3; " Basic Fducation Certificate Exa.rnination" means Basic Education Certificate ExaminatioD referred to in section 28; "ChiefEducation Officer" means tie professional and technical head of tle Minisuv* referred to in secdon 5: "citiz-enship education" means a form ofedrcatioD that teaches pupils the rights they enjoy' their responsibilities to tlle societ), and their duties to tlie countrYi No The Basic and Sehior SecondaDl Flucation Act 2023 "commudty education centre" meaDs a centre for lhe Dromotion of non-formal literacy aDd basic educatioo as well as skills acquisition; "community language" means the predominant language ia a localitY; "community service" means unpaid wodq intended to be of social use, that an offerder is required to do instead ofgoing to Prison or paying a fine; "compulsory subject" meatrs a subjecl lhat all PuPils are required to study; "continuous assessment" means a form ofmeasuring Ieaming progress regularly tlroughout a prescribed course or programmel "co-ordinator or i[anager" meatrs the head ofan adult literacy, commudty education centle, or non-fomral education centre: "corporal punishment" means any punishment in u,lrich physical force is used and intended to cause some degree ofpain or discomforl "corruption" mears a fomt ofdishonesty or a criminal offence which is undertaken by a person or an organisation which is entrusted in a position of authorio, in order to acquire illicit benefits or abuse power ior one's personal gain: 4 No. The Bosic and Senior Secondary Dlucation .4cl 2023 "creative thinking" means devising ne\4 or altemative ways to carD/ out tasks. solve problems, and address challetrges; "critical thinking" means analysing aYailable facts, evidence, observations, and argumenls to form judgement; "curriculum" means the subjects c{mprising a course of study in an educatiotral setting; "cyber bullying" means a form of intimidation or hamssment using eledronic means, ior example, pestering Phone calls; "data{riven" means something that is detemined by or dependeut on the collection or analysis of tlformation: "delinquent" means O?ica[[y a yomg person who conrmits minor offence; "Deputy Director" mea.ns a second in command to the head of a technical directorate or head of the education offrce in the disEict referred to in s€ction "Directorate" means a technical division in the Miaistry responsible for implementing the Minisay's programmes and strategies; No, Tfu Basic and Serrior S"condary Hucatiot, Act 2A23 5 "distance education learning" means a method of delivering education to pupits with limited direct contact with teachers; "early childlrood education" means catering to the educational needs ofthe child fiom 3-5 years; "Education Committee" m€ans a group of persom appointed by a local council to manage its education responsibilities; "Education SecretaD/" means a senior person who is responsible ior the overall management ofa school; "Education Youth Advisory GrouP" means the Education YouthAdvisory Group estabtished under sectioD 96; "emergency" means serious political rmrests or major health issues or disastous happenings that have the potential to disrupt the school system; "epidemic" means a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a geographical area; "equit1," means behg fully or truly balanced in resourc€s, opportunilY and outcomes; "expulsion" meatrs remoYing a pupil or Gacher fiom the school permanently following a serious act of indisciptine by the pupil or grave unprofessional behaviour bY the teacher; 6 No The Baic and Sen{or Secondary Edaeatioa Act 2023 "faith-based" means being or associated with a religion or religious group; "foreign pupil" meaos a non-Siera Leonean schoolgoing child; "Free Quality School Education" means a programme dedicated to the promotion ofquality education for which the cost of tuition and much of the teaching and leanfug materials and exmination fees are bome by tle Govennnent of Sierra Leoue; "gender equity" means the full and equal enjolment of rights and freedoms and equal access to resources, opportunities and outcomes, by fernales and males; "getrder mainstreaming" means the process of identifuing gender gaps and making women's and men's concerns and experiences integral to the design, implementation, monitoring and evalualion ofpoliciesand progmmmes in all sectors in the lvli isey to ensule that they trenefit equally; "general secondary school" mearm a senior secondary sehool that allows pupils to choose specialist, applied and every day subjects according to their needs, interests aad aspimtions; "global languages" means intematiolul lanruages: Nlc The Basic ond Senior Seconddry Edrcation lct 2023 ,l "Govemment school" means a school managed by or on behalf of rhe Ministry; "Government-assisted school" means a basic or senior secondaty school tbat receives financial assistance including subsidies and other regular forms of support from the Ministry aDd goverDment; "guardian" means any r€cognised custodian ofa child; "guidance cormsellor" means a pofessional wh worts in the basic or senior secondary education system to provide academic, career, social and emotional guidance to pupils; "inclusive education" means giving every cbild the right to quality education and leaming regardless of their circumstances, gender, place of residence, ethnicity, etc.; "infectious disease" meas a sicloesVillaess that is transmined from person to penon; "in-service training" means traiDing provided to practising or serving teachers to improve their competencies: "information technology" meatrs the use;f computers, slorage, networking and other physical devices, inftaslructure and Proc€sses to create, 8 No. The Basic and Seniot Seconddry Education Act 2023 process, stor€, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data; "Junior secondary school' means the school cat€gory for 3 years after Prirnary school; "learner" means a person of any age for whom education is provided in accordance \rith this Acl; "lifelong education" means on-going pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reason; "local cotmcil" means an el€cted Hy thal admitristers a city or discict council; "Medical Officer" means a health practitioner in the employmeat ofthe govemrnent or authorised by the government to attend to the health needs of individuab rhal includ€ school pupils; "mental health" means a condition witi regard to lhe psychological and emotional wetl-being ofa pupil; "Minister" mearxi the political head of the Ministry responsible for Basic and Senior Secondary Education; 'Ministry" means the Ministry responsible for Basic and Senior Secondary Education; and Senior Secondary Education Act 2023 No. The Basie "p,rimary school" means the school category for six Years after gre-school; 'private school" mqrns an educational establisbment that is not administered by gov€mment or a local council, and does not re€eive regular imallcial suPPot from govertrmed; "proprietof' means 6e owner ofa school; ,,public schoot" means govemment :r govertrme$- assisted school; "pupil-on-pupil violence" means the verbal abuse' threas antl physical paio a pupil inflicts on anodrcr puPil; "remedial learning" means additional assistance grven to pupils to imProve their academic performance; "5"tr*l1r1siager' in the case of a school managedb'v a proprietol meas the proprietor ard in ttre case of uoy o,t", school the person appointed by the proprietor to be the responsible local representative of the ProPrietor: "school Management Committ€e" means a group of persons appointed or elected to oYersee the opemtions of a P'dmar)' school; No. The Basic and Senior Secondary Education Act 2023 9 "Natiohal Board" means the National Board of Education established under s€ction 9; 'NationalPrimary SchoolExamination" m€ansNdional Primary School Examination refened to in section 26: "non-discriminarion" meatrs t&e fair or even-handed treahent of diferent categories of people; "non-formal education" mears any plarmed progmmme of education or instruction designed to improve a range ofskills and competences, outside the forrnal educational setting; "pandemic" means a widespread occurrence ofan inGctious disease oyer a whole country or the world at a particular time; "para-u.rricular" m eans an activity at a school pursued in addition to the normal course of study: "paxef,t" means the biological or adopted motler or father ofa child; "parent leamer" means an adolescent school-going girl or boy with a child; "pre-school" means an educationat facility for childien 3-5 ]€ars; 12 No. The B.,sic andsenior Secondltry Educdtion Acl 2023 Confiol and supervision of education. PoweE of Minist6. 2 The Minister shall have control and supervision of pre- primary, primary junior secondary and senior secondary schooling as well as the non- formal and school-level ad[lt leardng sectors throughout Sierra I-eone. PART tr{ONTROLOF EDUCATTON

The Minister may, from time to time' ftom fundsappopriated by Parliament for that purpose - (a) establish and maintain govenment and govemnent assisted schools; (b) give subventions to schools; (c) establish or maintain boardirg homes ancillary to schools established or maintained under this Act; (d) give subventions or loans for the establishment. rnaintenance or repair of boarding homes to schools established or maintained under this Act or rhe making of additions or alterations Olereto and subject to &e consent ofthe matager, to governmentassisted schools; (e) give subventions to such institutions or organisalions v/hiclL in his opinion, promote the education or *ell-being ofthe children in Sierra lrone; $) give subveniions for the provision of meals at governmelt schools or govemmentassisted schools; (g) give subventions to museums that are constituted and adminislered in.r manner approved b,v the Minister; No. The Batic ahd Senior Secondary Education Act 2023 ll "semi-autonomous" means a body rvittr powers to act independently to some degrce; "senior secondary school" means the school category for 3 vears after junior secondary school; "special needs education" means the kind ofeducation that accommodates the individual differences, disabilities, and special eircumstances of certain pupilsl "specialist secondary sch(\ll" means a q4)€ ofsenior secondary school that offers a specialised curriculum determined by the Minisrer; "suspension" means asking the pupil or teacher to temporarily leave the school after a misconduct; 'lechaical and vocational education and training" means tie te{hnical and vocational education atd training set by the Ministry as a condition for effolment into specialist schools under section 30; "underserved con'Imunity" means a community with\ ery limited social araenities and o&er facilities; "*'ard" rneans the smallest polirical rmit of a local corulcil, represented by a councillor; " \\tst African Senior School Certificate Examination', means ll'est African Senior School Certificate Examinatien referred to in section 3 l. No. The Basic and Senior Secondary Hrcation Aa 2023 t3 (h) provide, h whole or in part, means of tra.nsportation for children to and from govemment schools or goverDrlent assisted schools; (f provide medical and dental services for children attending governmeDt and goverDment-assisted schools; f) provide for regular iDsPection and supervision of schools.

The Ministry is responsible for the performance of such RespoDsibiliryacls necessary or incidental to the control and supervision of of Ministrv' education b.v the Minister tmder section 2, including - (a) working clmely with rhe Ministry responsible for local govemment to ensure the effective planning and implementation of pre.primary, primary, jrlnior secondary as well as the nonformal and school-level adult learning sectors; (b) determining need and approving the establishnent ofschools based on developed guidelines; (c) providing ftmncial resources tbrough budget allocations and other resources to govemment schools, government-assisted schools and such other categories of schools, as may be determined by the Minister; (d) superintending government and goverDment- assisted schools, including special oeeds institutions to ensure standards and Dational policies are met; 14 No The Basic and Seaior Secondary Education Act 2023 Chicf OIficer. (e) develoPment of national curricula and accomPanying syllabuses for goverrunent and govemment-assisted schools; (0 ensuring that the curicula ofprivate schools conform to the goals and objectives of the Minisry; G) investigatiDg, in collaboratioq wifh other releyant bodies, fraud aDd other malpractices in tb€ educaliotr system; (h) prioritising improvemenl in liten!ry, nunelacy and civics loowledge ofsierra l,eoneans; @ collecting, managing and producing accurate and reliable school level data and statistics; f) coordinating govemment scbools feeding and physical healtb Progammes; ft) rnanaging schools broadcasting Programmes and the education radio; (l) managing school sporting and other paracurricular activities.

(l) The Chief Education Officer is the professional andtecbnical head ofthe Ministry and key adviser to lhe Minister on all educational matters, wirh responsibiliry to - (a) provide expert services ofsupPort, guidanc€' 11161i161in& inspectiorl etc.' to the various directorates or units in the Ministryi serve as the major link between the Ministry and paftrers including consultants delivering technical work: o) Na The Basic and Senior SecondaDl &lucatioh Act 2A23 l5 (c) subject to the directions ofthe Minister, serve as the Chief Government Representative to tbe WestAficaa Examinations Council. (2) A person shall not be appointed Chief Education Officer under subsectioD (l), mless he - (a) possesses a Mastels degrce in education or related discipline from an accredited university; O) has, at least, 7 years' working experience as an educator or educationist with a record of excellent performanc€ at scnior man€em€nt level ; (c) has the knowledge, competencies, diplomatic skills and innovative drive to promote the Ministry's policies and objectives. (a) may deputise the Chief Education Officer in official functions; (b) may act as ChiefEducation Officer where the ChiefEducation Officer is unable to perform his fi.rnctions for whatever reason. (2) A person shall not be appointed Deputy Chief Education Officer under subsection (1), unless hc - (a) possesses a Maste/s degrec in education or related discipline from an accredited uliversity; 6. 0) The Deputy Chief Education Officer shall be the P-cputv chief principal assistatrt to the Ch.ief Education Officer and he - 3[9*:"" '16 The Basic and Seniot Secondary Flucation Act 2023 Tcchnical dircclortlcs cducslion offices. Mini$ry ro collaborate witfi scmiautonomous bMies. O) has at least 5 years'working exp€rience as an educator or educationist with a record of exc€llent pe,rformance al a senior maoagement level ; (c) has the knowledge, competencies, diplomatic skills and innovative drive to promote the Ministryb policies and objectives.

SectorRefonn Unit, establish such tecbnical dkectorates, district education offices and disrict or merge existing technical dbectorates as he may consider oecessary for the implementatioD of the programmes and skategies of rhe Minists-Y, including - (a) Parherships and Financing Directorate; (b) Educational Services and Programmes Directorate; (c) School Quality Assurance, Monitoring and Resource Directorate; (d) Policy and Plaming Dircctorate; (e) Curriculum and Research Directoratq and (f) Non-Formal andAduhEducation Directorate. (2) A technical directorate or district education office established under subsection (1) shall be headed by a Directot or Deputy Director, respectively. & The Ministry shall collaborate witi semi-autonomous bodies including - (a) the WestAtican Examinations Council, for the purPose of the conduct of public examinations and other iusessmeots; Na N(). The Bdsic and Seniot Secondary Edtcation Act 2023 t7 (b) the Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission, in the managenent ofthe atrairs of teach€rs in order to improve their professional status and economic wellbeing; the National Assessment Unit, for the development, management and conduct of assessments for evaluati.ng the status of Ieaming in schools. PART M.ESTABLISHMENTOF NATTONALBOARD OF EDUCATION

"o*irting Jf , ihuir*urr, appoirted by the President, upon Boart of recomrnendat ion frour the Minister and the fol lowing orher mem bers- (a) 4 representatives from faith-based instiEtions; 1i) a rep.esentative of the National Union of Private Schools; G) The Financial ses€tary or his representativg not below the lank of Director; (O a representative of the National Couucil of Paramomt Chiefs; (e) The Head ofihe National OfEce, WesAfiican Examinaion Cormc il or his represertalive, not below the rank ofDkectoq (D The Chainna& Teacbing Service Commissiol or his representative, not below the rank of Dircctor: 18 No. The Basic and Senior Seconddry Educalion Act 2023 G) a representative of Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools; (b) a representative of the National Council of Head Teachcrs; @ The Commissioner, Persons with Disability Commission or his represeDtatiye, not below the rank ofDirector; 0) a rcpresentative from Sierra Leone Teachers Union; (k) the Permanent Secletary, Ministry responsible for local governmeut or his representative, not below tle rank ofDirector; (D such numbet not exceeding 5, education and technical experts, resident in Siena Leone, as the Minister may appoint; (m) a representative oftte Siera Leone Bar Association; (n) The Chaiman, Education Youth Advisory GroW; (2) The Deputy Secretaqr shall serve as Secretaq/ to the Board and shall not have a voting right (3) A person shall not be appointed Chairman under subsection (1), unless - (a) he has demonstrable experienc€ ofthe sy'stem ofeducation in Sierra Leone or ofinstitutions dealing or connected u ith matters relating to the Sierra Leone education system: or No The Basic and Senior Secondary Hucation Act 2023 l9

(l) The National Board ofFiucatioo shallbe responsible Fun.riom oftoprovide such policy guidance and advice to ttre Minister and tbe I:11""1 Ministry, ensure the efficient impl;;;;;;" fi"r"ti";;rrI ilfl*r, enhance the overall perfomance ofthe lvtitristry. (b) his contribution may be of significant advantage to the formulation and execution ofnational policies on education. @) Notwitbstaading 6e gen€rality of subsection (l ) the National Board ofEducation shall - (a) advise or make recomrnen&tions on gaps in policies and legislation that require intervention; O) act as an advisory entity on major challenges aod emergencies confioning the education system; (c) make recommendations on fees and other levies to be charged by govemment and goverDmetrt-assisted schools on foreign pupils; (d) advise on any matter affecting education and any other Datter in respect of which the Minister is anpowered to make Regulations rmder this Acg (e) advise on any other matter referred to the National Board ofEducation by the Minister, but tbe National Board shall not advise on matters for which other bodies have been authorised by la* to advise on. !) No. Ttu Basic and Senior Secondary Educatio Act 2023 Tenure of Meeti.0gs of Board-

(l) A member ofthe National Board, ottrer than an exofficio member, shall hold office for a period of 3 years and shall beeligible for rc- appointnent for not more than I fi.rrther term of 3 years. (2) A person sball cease to be a member ofthe Board ifhe is removed Aom office - (a) for his inability to perfonn the fimctiou of his ofEce by reason ofinfimdty ofmhd or body; o) (o for proven misconduct; ifhe becomes bankrupt or insolvent; if he is coDvicted and sentenced for an offence involving fi:aud or dishonesty; (e) ifhe fails to attend 3 consecutive meetings of the Board without reasonable cause; (0 ifhe resigns his office 12 (l) The National Board shall mect for the discharge ofis business National at least onc€ every 3 months and at such time as deemed necessary. p) The Chairman shall preside at every meeting of lhe National Board, and in his absence, a member ofthe National Board elected amongst their number shall prcside. Q) A minimum of9 members of the National Board may, by notice in wriring signed by ther4 request the Chairman to summon a special meeting ofthe National Board for such purposes as may be stated in the notice- (4) The Chairman shall summon a special meeting wilhin 5 days of his receipt ofthe notice refeEed to in subsection (3). No The Basic and Sehior Secondary Educatiotr Act 2023 21 (D The quorurn at any meeting of lbe NatioDal Board shaU be 9. (Q The Chaiinan shall have a castiDg vot6 where there is an equality of votes. (I) A proposal circulated among all members and aqeed to in w ting by a two-rhirds majority ofall members shallle ofthe same force ir iffect as a decision made at a duly constitrted meeting ofthe National Board and shall be incorPorated in the minutes ofthe nex:t meeting ofthe National Boa* Prcvidd thd' ifamember rcquircs that such priposal be placed before a meeting ofthe National Board this subsection shall not apply to such proposal' (8) The National Board may co-opt a person to attend antl participate in its deliberatiom on any matter but such person shalfnot vote on any issue for decision by the National Board' (9) The National Board shall cause minutes of all its meetings to be takm and signed by the Chairman and the Secretary and kept in proper hard and soft copy. (10) Subject to this Act, the National Boald shall regulate its o*n procedure.

(l) A member ofiheN*ional Board who has any interest,whether direct or indirect in aDy matter being considered or to be considered by the National Board, shall disclose the nature of his interest to ihe National Board and the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the National Board and such member shall not take part in any deliberation or decision ofthe Natiooal Board relating to that matter. (2) A member of the National Board r ho contravenes subsection (l) shall be guilty ofmisconduct and shall be removed from the National Board. Disclosurc of irlerctl, D Nc ?he Basic and Senior Secondory Edrtcation Ac, 2023 Irtrmunity of metubers. Comlrittaes of Boatd. Remuoeralion of mambers, Filling of vacSncies-

(1) An action or other proceedings shall not lie or beinstituted against a member ofthe National Board or member ofa commiitee oflhe National Board for or in resPect ofany act or thing done or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise of his frmctions under this Act. (2) A member ofthe Naional Bord shall not be Personally liable for any debt or obligatioa ofthe Ministry.

National appoint one or more committees consisting ofmemb€rs of the Natisnal Boed or nou-members orbodr, to perform such fimctions and to report to the National Board as the National Board may determine.

The Chairman and other members ofthe National Boardand any penon coopted by the Nationa! Board under subsection (8) of section 12 shall be paid such allowances as approved by the Chairman and shall be reimbursed by the Ministry for expenses incurred ia connection with the discharge oftheir functions and the National Board may, with the approval of the Minister, detemine.

(1) Where the Chairman ora member oftre National Boarddies, resigns, is removed &orn office or is absent or is by reason of illness rmable to perform the functions ofhis office for 3 consecutive meetings, in the case of- (a) the Chainnan, the members ofthe National Board shall elect one of their number to act as Chairman until suchtime as the Chairman resumes his office or aDother is aPPointed in his stead; and (b) a member, the Chairman shaU arrange, subject to this Ac! to have another Person appointed to the National Board. i\*o. The Bosic and Senior Secondary fuicotion lct 2023 l8- (l) The system offormal education for basic and senior stages in secondary ienior secondary schools shall be organised in 4 cducstion progressii'e levels as follows- - svsr'm' @) A person appoint€d to fill a Yacatrcy as Chairman or member, <hall hold office for the remainder ofthe tenn ofthe previous Chairma:r or member, as the case may be, aDd sha[, subject to this Acq be eligible forre. appointnent. PARTIV. INCLUSTVEAND EARLYCHIIDHOODEDUCATION (a) (b) (d) 3 years of pre-school education; 6 years of primary school education; 3 years ofjunior secondary school education; 3 years ofsenior secondary school education or 3 years of technical or vocational education in lieu thereof. @) Other higher and technical education services shall be offered by the Ministry resPonsible for Tecbnical and Higher Edrcation.

(l) Schools, including private schools, shall be,in-clusY" [f,f."and disability Aiendly, by making surc that all classrooms md fac fies are acaessible to all categories of learners. @) Pregnant girls, parent leamers, children from the poo-"est homes, rural areas and rmderserved communities shall be allowrd to access, stay fuL conptetc sc.hool and enjq all dre facilities provide,.l in the school. Q') Special arrangements to access education shall be made for pulrils with mental health, autism sPectrun disorder and other related ruiseen disability and health issues. B A N(r The Basic and Sehior Secondary Hucation Act ZO23 (4) This Act and all other instruments relating to education in Sierra Leone shall be administered and interpreted in such a mamer as to ensure that there is no discrimination betYYeen pupils in the matter of their a&nission to and tatment in educational institulions throughout Sierra Leone. (5) Nothing in this section shall forbid or rcsEict - (a) pending clearance by Se Minister, upon fte advice of professioDal slafi, establishmeDt or maintenance of single-sex or coeducational schools with comparable frcilities; O) pending clearanc€ by the Minister, upon the advice of professional staff, establishment or maintenance of faith-based institutions whose philosopbies and goals art in line with the Constit[tion of Sierra Leone and the obj€ct ofthis Act; (c) establishment or maintenance of privat€ educational institutions, if the purpose of such institutions is not to secure the exclusion ofa group but to provide educational frcilities in addition to 6ose provided by the Ministry, if the institutioos are conducted in accordance with that object and if the education provided conforms rvith such standards as may be laid down or approved by the MinistEr for educational institnions ofthe same level; (e) discrimination beqween citizrns and noncitizens of Si€rra lJone in tie ma&er of the provision of financial assistance for the payment of school fees or the arvard of scholarships. No. The Basic and Seniot Secondary Education Act 2023 ?5

Nothing in this section shall prevent aiscrimila{o1.where Arrrrm'tivca group of pupils share a characteristic aDd by virurc ol whtch - (a) that group suffers a disadvantage in accessing the same quality ofeducation as pupils who do not sharc that characteristic; or O) that group's participation in education is disproportionately low: Provided that such discrimination docs not go b€yond what is reasonably necessary to enswe that group has equality ofopportrnity in acc'essing and comPleting education.

(1) The Minister may make such provision for the special necdseducation of children with special ;;;r*ilt as the Minisn'y institutions' considers necessary or desirable. (2) A paent, guardia4 head teacher or principal ofapupil with special leaming needs may request the MinistT, tbrough the Chiefiducaion Officer, ro make sPecial drangemnts forthe edrcaion of the chil4 stating how the proposed special arrangemenr would benefit the child developmerrally and educationally. (3) The Ministry shall, tkough the Chief Education Ofiicer, within 30 days of receiving an application for special arrangemens under subsection (2), - (a) approve the request; (b) refixe the neques; (c) vary the request and approve tre variation, OI (d) sug-sest an altemative special provision No" TIE Bosic aid Setior Secondary Htcalion Act 2023 iarly childhood .rd rcarion

(l) Eerly childhood or Pre-school education is critical foroptimising human ;apital and Dational development alrd children of p.e- schooi uge in Siina kone including poor children' otP$"d "uta..n ana cnilaren wirh disabilities shall have access to Pre?riEzry education. (2) Government slnll suPl)ort one year ftee compulsory pre-school education, whcl a child reachcs the age of5 years- (3) A school otrering Pre-school education shall, wirhin 2 years after th€ coming into opcration ofthis Acg - (a) have at lcast one teacher Present at all times who has qualificatioos recognised by the Sierra Leone Teacbing Service Commission in pre- primary education; (b) be approved for that purposc and registered with the MinistrY; and (c) maintair pre-primaq' facilities separate from or on the grounds ofa primary scbool. (4) The Minislry shall - (a) provide coordination guidelines fbr line ministries and other partners in providing qualiry early cbildhood educirtion services; O) set up early childhood education coordination mechanisms at the national and sub-national levels to facilirate communication, synrhronisation and collaboratioD in planning, financing and delivery of early childhood education services; No. The Easic and Senior Secowra Elucation Act 2023 n (c) build and strengthen partDerships and collaboration for syn€rg/, including referral aDotrg early childhood education services through different platforms in different secton; (d) mobilise adequate resourc€s lor improving accessibility to quality early childbood education services for yormg children and fanrilies, including capacity building for tenchers by the Siera l-eone Teaching Service Commission. (e) liaise with the Ministry responsible for Technical and Higher Educatioa and Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commissicn to ensure that tbere is within Sierra Leone facilities for training teacbers in pre-primary education; (O direct the development of curricula for preprimary school insitutions; (e) set and monitor the standards ofteaching in pre-primarl' school institutions; (D set and monitor the standards ofthe facilities in pre-primary school institutioDs: (g) ensure that the required national health and safety care and regular health checks are conducted on pupils in pre-primary school institrtions, to guarantee early detection of disabitities. obligations of clrly childbood cducalioo providers. Basic educltiotr Nq The B.,sic \nd Senior Secondary Educatioh Act

O) An institution established to deliver Pre-primaryeducation shatl follow guidelines for school approval established by tbe Ministy. @) A pre'primary school pmvider shall ensure that rhe area iD which the pre'school is located - (a) has sufrcient spaces in it to acrommodate thePuPils; and (b) meets appropriate health and safety standards' PARTV- STRUCTTIRE OFBASICAND SEMOR SECONDARY EDUCAT]ON

(1) Basic education shall consist of 12 years ofschoolhgcomposed of3 years pre'primary' 6 yea$ primary and 3 yearsjunior a""ordo.y and is designe<l to provide all that is necessary for all Sierra Leonean children to - (a) be finctionaly literate drd numerate and help them to culti te the knowledge, skills anC atitudes that will eventually enable them to eam a good living; o) inculcate civic values including patriotisr; respectfulaess; and (c) eoable children to begin to undersand the complexities and opportrmities ofthe modem world . (2) The purpose of basic education shatl be to bring out the acquisition of comprehension' computational thinking ard technological skills, creativity, criticat thinking and civics knowledge' No. The Basica d Seaior Secondo.D'Education Act 2023 E

(l) Pre-primary and primary education shall consist of- Pre-primaryand prihery edualtion. (a) fuU-time formal schooling which children receive for 9 years from about age 3 to t2 yqm: or O) a compreheDsive three-year programme for 'over-age' out-of-school leamers, offered by the Directorate of Non-Formal and Aduft Education aDd parhers in adult education. @) Pre-primary and primary schoolirg shall give children early smrctural cross cultural socialisation opportunities and an elementary intoduction to those fundamentals nec€ssary to pmduce individuals able, at a rudimentary level, to improve and enrich their own circumstances and to contribute meaningfully to life in the developmenl of their commtmiry. . (l) At the end of class 6, children itr government and 'Narionat govenment- Primary School assisted and Private schools shall "k 3:'#:i' the National Examination which shall be conducted by the West Exaglillarior Aticatr ExaminatioBs Council or odEr appropriate exmination body. (2) The resuh ofthe Nationa.l Primary School Exaninxion including each school's continuous assessmelt scores may be used for placemenl in junior secondary schools' (3) The lvtinisn-v may use a different national leaming assessment other than the National Primary School Examination to support t-dnsition and placement into jrmior secondary schoo.l; in which case, the National Primary Schoot Examination may be used only for systemJevel national assessments or replaced with other appropriate school-level national assessments' 30 No. Thc Basic and Sehior Secondory E&'catiot '4ct 1023 Junio{ Scaondary School. Z/. (l) Junior secondary schooling shall be for pupils who bave completed the six yeas of primary school or comprehensive noo-foi edrcation course in Sierra trone or its equivalent in other counEies. (2) The purpose ofjunior secondary school shall be to provide a broad base4 general educalion in preParation for senior a"corrdury school, technical and vocational education or for employm€nt or selfflPlolment. (3) Where a pupil mmes from a county whose grading system for enty into jmior secondary school is different from that oftle Sierra Leone sy"t€t& the Chafumel oflhe local council education comnittee shall scrutirise the pupil's grades or lranscriPt and strictly follow guidetines provided by the Ministry to determine the corre't placement ofthe PuPil' (4) Whoe t}e pupils previous schooling was in a place where the assessment system does not provide grades that could be used as an equivalent' the Chaiman shatl, following discussion withthe Deputl Director ofEducation in the districg grant approval ifhe is satisfied tbat the pupil is competent to undertake studies at tie junior secondary level. ($ A guidance counsellor ma1', where appropriate' be attached to a school or cluster of schools to - (a) suppon and advise on the psychological, academic and social development of individual Pr.Pils; @) help resotve minor conflicts between parties and interests in the school; and No The Basic and Senior Secondary Mu,cation Act 2023 31 (c) help pupils to resolve any other problems or concerns; (Q The Ministy may set certain subjecB to be eittr€r compulsory or optional. A. (l) The Basic Education Certificate Exarnination sball be Basic c.nducted by WestAtic&Examinatioos Councilorofi€r apprcpdaE E:fffl:l examidng body on behalf of the Minisfy, at tle end of the juaior Educarion. secondary schoo! course or programme. (2) The Basic Education Certificale Examination shall be taken by pupils from all govemm€nq government-assised and primte junior secondary schools that have completed 3 years of jrmior secondary school or its equivalent. (3) The continuous assessment score ofa candidate shall fonn part ofhis final gradbg. 9. (1) Senior secondary schooling shall be for pupils rf,to scDior have completed thejunior serondary school course in Sierra f".* ilillft or its equivalent in other counFies. (2) The Miaistry may determitre conditions for entry into government or governmeDt-assisted senior secondary school provided those conditions do not discriminate against pupils other dran on acadanic grounds. B) Where the Ministry has conditiorcd eofy on pupils having atlaircd c€rtain grades in exarninations administered in Sieqa Leone, the ChiefEducalion Offrcer may, on request, provide written approval for a pupil who has completed his studies outside Siera Leone to altend senior secondary school. Nu The BasiE and Seniq Secondary Mucation Act 2023 t2 (a) In giving q'lritt€n approval under subsection (3)' the Chief Education Officer shall consider the gading system' if any' employed in the comtry of fle pupil's previous schooling and be- ."ti"fi.a tut tl" prrpil has attained grades that are lhe equivalent of those determined bY the MinisrY. (, Where the pupils previous schooling was in a place *here the assessment system does not provide grades ftat could be used as an equivalen! the Chief Education Officer shall grant approval ifsatisfied that the puPil is competent to undertake snarlies at &e senior secondary level' (Q A senior secon<tary school may have a couselling depaftrent, r€sPoDsible to - (a) suPpon the psycbological, academic' and social development oflhe PuPils; (b) advise pupits on subject optiom and career pathways: (c) help r€solve minor conllicts between patties and interests in the school; (d) help pupils to resolve any other problerns or concerns: (e) help to ca-ordinate continuous assessment matters. (?) A counselling depar&nent may, where approPriate' serve a cluster of schools. No. The Bosic and Senior Secondary E&tcation Act 2023

O) The Minist'y may designate a school lo bc either 8 TvPG^s ofgeneral secondary school or a specialist or technical or vocationd S1116* secondary schools. - school' (2) A pupil who has passed the requircd Basic Education Certifrcate Examinatioo and cofltinuous assessment grades or equivalent shatl have the right ofenrohlent in a general secondary schoo[. (3) A pupil in a generat secrndary school shall offer a set of subjects from among specialist, a?plied and every day subjects according to his needs, interests and aspirations. (4) The MinisE-v may set conditions for enrolrnent into specialist secondary schools, such as technical and vocational education and training schools, includirg Basic Education C€rtilicat€ Examination grades from those required for entry into general secondary schools. (5) A school that is designated a specialist secondary school shall offer a cr.nriculum as may be determined by the Ministy (O The Ministry may s€t certair subjects to be either compulsory or optional.

(l) At the end of the senior secondary school course, w-est Afic"pupils in govenment and govemment-assisrcd schools and those Hiii*Ty' wishing to do so from privale schools, shall take rbe WesI African Ex8'nioalion' Senior School Cenificale Lxaminarioo cooduc&d by the West African Examinatiom Council. (2) A pre-specified percentage of a West Atican Senior School C€rtificate Examinatioo final grade ofa candidate shall come from his continuots assessment scoresv No The Bosic aad Senior Secondory E&tcation Acl 2023 Non-formal and lifelong le-arring. ContinuinS Centrcs (3) Nothing in this sectiotr shall prevent a popil ia goveroment, government-assiste4 private or intemational schools from taking examinations conducted by other internationally r€coglised examhation bodies. (4) A pupil who did thrce years oftechnical and vocational education after Junior Secondary School shall take the National Vocational Qualification examination conducted by Naional Cormcil for Technical, Vocational and other Academic Awards. 3Z (l) A non-formal education is a Planned Programme of €ducation or instruction designed to imProve a range of skills and competenc€s, outside education- the formal educational setting and fu purpose is to make education accessible to every citi"Er! in the context of lifelong of the individual. @) Non-formal educalion cateB for out-of-school and older children, youths and adults who may desire to enrol in th formal school system or wish to Pusue altemative pathways after colryleting formal educatioa. (3) The Directomte ofNon-Formal and Adult Education shall provide the regulalory mechanisms for the proPer conduct of non-formal and adult education courses in Sierra Leone.

(l) The Directomte ofNon-Formal and Adult Educationshall be responsil,'le for overseeing adult literacy classes and continuing educatiotr ceffrcs throwhout Sierra L€one. (2) A Continuitrg Education Centre shall bave a management committee which shall assist in the running of the Continuing Educatioa Centre in accordance with laid down rules by the Ministr-v. No. The Ba.cic qnd Senior Seconddry'Education ,Act 2023 (3) A management commifi€e urder subsection (2), shall be gender balanced and shall consist of a Chairma& appointed by the proprietor or manager of lhe Continuing Edudation Centrg approved by the Ministry, and tlre following other members- (a) a representative of the Directorate of NoD- Formal and Adult Education; (b) 2 representatives of the donor agency suppofting the Continuing Education Centre; (c) a represettative of the community leadership; (O a r€presentative ofthe ward committee; (e) an adult educator in th€ community; (D 2 parents or guardians; aod G) a facilitator. 36 No the Bosic ard Senior Secotulary Mucation Act 2023 functioas of Continuin8 Educat'on Ccnlre Msnagemert Corrrtittcc Tcnure and f ling of vacaacios. (4) The coordinator of tie cenEe shall serve as secreJary to fr e management committee.

Continui[g sball - (a) oversee the running of the centre; O) help to raise funds for the general development of lhe ceoae; (c) perform such other functions as it may consider necessary for tbe progress of the centre. 35- O) A member of a Continuing Education Cetrtre rnanagement cornmittee may sen'e for a temr of3 years and shall be eligible for reappointment for a flrther term of3 years only' P) A Continuing Education Centre management comrninee memb€r who is unable to perform his f,mctions for whatever rcason shall be rePlaced.

(i) The Minister shall, not later than 90 days after thecoming into operation oflhis Acr, constitute ao advisory body to be loown as the Non- Forrnal Educatiol Comcil. (2) The Non-Fonnal Education Council shatl consist of- (a) heads of the following institutions and agencies or their represerrtatives - (D Sierra t eone National Commission of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation; NorFlotmol Council. N<r The Basic and Senior Secondary Education Act, 2023 31 (D United NatioDs Development Programme: (o Sierra Leone Commission; Teaching Service (iv) Partners in Adult Education Coordinating Office; (v) Sierra Leone Adult Education Association; (vi) Techlical, vocational Education and Training division of the Ministry responsible for Technical and Higber Education; (vD Division of Exha-Mural Studies, Universir)* of Sierra Leone: (viii) United Nations Cfuldren's Frutd; G) Sierra Leone Association of Non- Govemmental Organisatiom; &) National Council for Technical, Vocational and otherAcademic A$ards; ()i) National Council ofParamount Chiefsl (xt) National Organisation ofl.ocal Coucils; ft) ? persons appointed by the Minister, one of whom shall be a woman; and (c) Chief Education Ofrcer- 38 Il{a The Basic and Senior Secondon, Education Act 201,3 Funcrions of Non-Formal Educadon Council. (3) The Director ofNon-Fomral andAduft Education shall serve as secretaD/ and sball have no voting righl. (4) The members ofthe Non-Formal Education Council shall, at Oleir first sirtilrg, elect one ofthet members as Chairmaa.

(l) The Non-Formal Education Council shall, inconsultatioD with the Directorate ofNon-Formal andAdult Education, advise the Minister on any matter pertilent to the development of tron-formal and aduft educatiotr in Sierra Leone. (2) The Non-Formal Education Council shall in addition to its respotsibility undsr subsection (l), - (a) advise tlle Directorate of Non-Formal and Adult Educalion in the developmeut of an adull education curriculum that is responsive to the needs of socieo/; (b) ensure that the adult education programmes aad courses provided in Sierra Leone meet the needs and inrcrests ofthe trainees; and (c) perform such other functions as the Minister may direct.

A member ofthe Non-Formal Ed-rcation Council shal.l servefor a term of3 years and shall be eligible for reappointrnent for a frrrther tenn of3 years only.

(l) A member ofthe Non.Formal Educarion Colrncil $tois uable to perform his tnctions for whatever reason may be replaced (2) Where a person is eleaed as Chairman or appoirted as a member to fill a vacancy, he shall hold oflice ior the remainder of the term of the previous CbairDan or member, as the case may be. Tcnura of membcrs. Filling of i\rr The Basic aadSenior Secondary Edlcation Act, 20?3 (3) The quorum for a meeting of the Non-Formal Education Council shall be one-third ofthe members. (4) All matters put to the yote shall be decided by a sinple majority of all members present and wherc the votes are equal, the Chairman shall have a casting vote. (5) The Non-Formal Education Council shall regulate the procedure of its meetings. PARTVI - SCHOOL COVERNANCE A- (l) A govemment or govemment-assisled primary and Tio-ricr secondary System of school, including commudty educatioD slrstem of centres- sball have two.tier govemance; one to provide oversidht goveruatrce' functions aad the other to handle the day-to-day ruraing of the iDstitution. (2) The oversight lirnction shall be perforrned in conjunction with lhe local council, Dioict Education Office, School Management Committee, Centre Management Committee or Board ofcovernors, *'here applicable, and shall include - (a) monitoring and developing strategies to irnprove the perfomance ofthe school or the cente; and q. (l) The members of tlre Non-Formal Education Cormcil Mcetirs of shall meet ar least 3 times a year for the disparch of business "rd d I;f;*#dsuch other times as Education the Chairman may decide. coutrcit. (2) The Chairman shall preside at a meeting ofilrc Cotmcil and in his absence the members shall appoint one of their mernbers to act as Chairman. 4t. Members ofthe Non-Formal Education Council mav be R€.nursrrrioo given sitting allowanc€s as the Minister may determine. ' of meobcrs. (b) resource mobilisation for the benefit of the school or centre. 40 No. The Basit dnd Seniot Secondary Eduatio.l Act 2023 ComrRunity Teochers A5sociation. (3) A head teacher, in the case of a primary school, or centre coordinator, in the cas€ of a commrmity education centre or principal, in &e case ofa secondary school shall have the primary responsibility for tbe day-today adninistralion ofbis school or cenEe, suppo'ted by colleague teachers,facilitators and other staff. ,13. (l) A government or government-assisted school shall have a Co munity TeachersAssociation which shau promote glealer involvement ofcommunity members in the afhirs ofthe school. (2) A Community Teachers Association shall determine its own leadership srucfirc atrd method ofoperatioD, but shall always wort in the besl intcrest ofthe puPils fiid the school. (2) Tbe composition ofa School Management Conmittee under subsection (1), shall be gender balanced and comprise tbe following rnembersschool 44. (1) A local comcil shall have a School Management Ita-*nl.."rr Committee in respect of government or govemment-assisted basic com'Dit"e' education schools aodshall be responsible to assist in the administration ofthat school ir accordance with Regulations made rmd€r this Act and the Local Govemment Act, 2004 (Act No' 1 of 2004), including- (a) overseeing the running of the schools; (b) assisting in tle drawing up ofdevelopment plans for the schools; (c) helping to raise funds for the general development of the schools; and (d) performing other functions as may be directed by the local council or the Disrict Education Office. Nc The Basic and Senior Secondary Educatiotr Act, 2023 4l (a) 3 proprieto/s noninees, oue of wllom shall be Chairman: (b) the head teacher; a representative of the School Quelity Assurance, Monitoring and Resource DiYision of the Ministry; (d) a representative of the local council; (e) the Chainnan of the Community Teachers Assoc iation; (f a raditional rul€r or elder of the village or area concemed; G) an educaror in the community. (3) The head teacher shall serve as secretaly to the Scbool Matragement Committee and shall have no voting righl (4) The School Management Conmittee shall meet once every term or at such other times as may be specified by the local cormcil, (5) One-thtd of the members shall constitute a quorum for all meetings. (Q The School Management Commiftee may appoint such sub-committees as it may consider necessary for the purpose of carrying out ils responsibilities under thi! Act. a5. 0) A School Mamgementcommittee membershall sewe 1"r.. *6 a term of3 years and shall be eligible to serve a firfther tenD of3 years filliry of only. . vacancics (2) A mernber unable to perfom his frmctions for *{ratever reason may be r€placed. Ilo. The Basic ond Seniq Seconddry/ Flucalion Act 2023 C€ntrc Mmagcment committe!, (3) Where a penonis appointed as Chainnm or a member to fill a vacatrcy, he shall hold office for the remainder ofthe term of tbe previous Chatman or member and shall be eligible for reapPoinfirenL 46. 0) A District Council shall have an Education Cente Matragemont Cotrurliree which shall sr+erintend the administration of the Education Cenue including - (a) overseeing Ore numing ofthe cenue; (b) assisting in the drawing up of development plaos for th€ c€nfre; (c) helping to raise funds for the g€neral develoPment ofthe centre; dld (d) performing other functions as may be directed by the local council or the District Education Office' (2) An Education Centre Man€ement Commiuee under subsectior ( I ) sball be gender balanced and comprise the followirg members- (a) the Education Centse coordinator or manageE (b) a representative ofthe Disrict Council; (c) a representative ofthe major firnding agency of the Education Centre: () (e) (D G) (h) a traditional ruler or elder of the village or area coocerned; a rqresenative of the ward committee. an educator in the community; 2 parents or guardians; and a teacher. I'{o. Tha Basic dndseaior Secondary Educdtion Act, 2OZ3 (3) The Education Centre Management Committee membes shall appoint one oftheir members as Chairman. (4) The coordinator or manager ofthe Education Centre shall serve as secretarlr to tbe commifee and shall have no voting righ. (, The Education Cenue Management Commicee shall me€t otrce every tenn or at such other times as may be specified by &e Disu-ict Council- (6) One-tbird ofthe members shall constitute a quorunr- 47. ( I ) A Education CeuEe Managetnent Commitee member Tcnurc and shall serve a tenn of3 years and shall be eligible to serve a fifiher filting of term of3 years only. vacancies @) A manber unable to perform his ftmctions for whatever reason may be replaced. (3) Wbere a person is appointed as Chainnan or a member to fill a vacancy, he shall hold office for the remainder ofthe term of dre previous Chairman or member and shall be eligible for reappointm€ut. a8. (l) The Minister shall establish a Board of Govemors in Board of resPect a school, other than a pre-primary. primary or private school Govcmors @ Only one Board shall be estabtished per school, inespective of whether the school has bolh juior and senior seconda4r divisions and multiple shifu. (3) A Board ofcovemors established under subsection ( I ) shall be a bod)'corporate with perpsural sueession and a common seal. 4 I\a The Basic aadSenior SecondaD, Htlcation Act 2023 Mcmbership of Board of Govcmors- 49. (l) A Board ofGovemon shall consist of 13to l5 members of the including the Chairman, appointed by the Minister after consultatioa with the proprietor, and the following other members (a) 4 persons appointed by the proprietor ofthe schooli (b) 4 persons nominated by the Minister; (c) The Chief Education Officer or his r€preseatative in the disricq (d) The Education Seqetary or his reprcsentative in the district; (e) the District Deputy Director, Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission; (D a local comcil rcpresentative Aom the distict or city council); G) a Chiefdom authority, wbere applicable; (h) a representative ofthe old pupils' association ofthe school, where applicable; (i) the Chairman, of the Corununity Teachers Association. (2) The composition ofthe Board members must be geDder balanced 50. ( l) The Board ofGovernors shall be responsible to - (a) oversee the development and implemefiation ofthe School ImprovemeDt Plar; Functiotrs of rb. Borrd- No The Basic and Seaior Secondary Education Act, 2023 4i (b) help to raise funds for ,he general development of the school; (c) seek the welfare ofpupils and staff; (d) fix charges, where appropriate, with the approval of the Minister; (e) review and approve the school budget prepared by the scbool adninist-ation; (D recommerd to Sierra I-€one Teaching Service Commission suitable candidates for the positions of principal, vice principal and senior teachers; G) mediate or arbisate in mas€rs bmuglrt before it by aggrieved pupils, parents or t€achers; (h) perform such other firnctions as may be diected by the Minister. (2) The Minister may, where he considers it expedient, authorise the establishment of oue Board to service a chrster of schools. 53. (l) A mernber ofthe Board ofGovemors who is unable Fitlinc of m perform his fimctions for whatever reason may be replaced. vtcancies 51. At least 50 percenl ofthe rnembers ofthe Board ofGovemon Qua,ificaions shall have completed senior secondary school or is equivalent and l:*fj have some management experience. 52. A member oftlre Board ofGovemors shall serve for a t€nn Tcnure of of31'ears and shalt be eligible for reappoinrment for a firlber term of ^Boera o1 3 years only, but may sene ou tlte ioard of Govemors of otb€r Governors' scbools at the ex?iration ofhis te lre. 4 Nc Tlc Bosic atdknior gcondary Hxcatia4 Act 2023 M.€rings of Botrd- Commiltecs of Board- School ,&ninisrin @) Where a pcrson is elected as Chairman or appointed as a member to fill a vacanry, he shall hold office for the remainder ofthe term ofthe previous Chairman or member, as the case may be. 5a. (l) Tbe Board of Govemors shall me€t at least otrce a term or at the such other times as nay be directed by the Minister. (2) One-third of the members, including the Deputy Director of Education in the district or his representative, shall constifirte a quonmr for all meetings. (3) The principal ofthe school shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall have no voting righl. 55. The Board ofcovemors may appoint such subcommittees as it of the may consider necessary for the purpose of carrying out its responsibilities under this Act including - (a) Standing Commitee; (b) Finance and Development Committee; @) VsirationComninee. 56. (l) A primary school itr which more than one teacher is einployed sball have a head teacher and a secondary school shall have a principal- (2) A head teacher or principal sball be the a&ninistrative and professional head of the school and shall be fully accountable to his employers- (3) A hcad t€acher sball be assi$ed by a deputy head teacher and senior teachem and a principal shall be assisted by a vice principal and heads ofdepartnents or senior teachers. No. fhe Bqsic dnd Senior Secondary Flrcatior, Act, 2023 @ Il the case of a private school a head teacher or principal shall be appointed by the propriasl 61 nen'ger tom among persons who have the requisite proven academic and pmfessional qualifi cations for the job. (3) The rotation or upward mobility of a head teacher, principal or teachers ia govemment and govemment-assisted schools shall be in accordance with the Sierra Leone Teaching Service CommissionAct. (2) Transfers, promotions, professional developmetrt, suspensions and dismissal of teachers shall be in accordance with the Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission Regulatidts. 59. (1) A government, government-assisted school or gant contmunity education centre shall hay€ one bank accout into which accounls. shall be paid- 57. (1) The appointment of a head teacher, depury head Appohtucoa, leacher, principal, vice principal and senior teachers shali b" in Ptu d conformity witb the sie.m l-eone rea"ninc a;;a;;d;i- pro'orioff- 58. (l) A person shall not be employed as a perman€trt frrll- ccrriticrh time teachs in a school unless that person holds a Drofessional and licence cenilicate and licence issued by the Sierra Leone Teaciing Servi"e fot t""ho Commission- (a) o) (c) donations and other gifu Aom a persotr or authorit-v; (d) proceeds of income-generating school activity; and school subsidiesl grants- in-aidl (e) other receivables 48 The Basic and Senior S.conddry Edwation Acl 2023 No (2) e'Uot accornt rmder subsection (l)' shall have 3 signatories *ho shall be, in the case of- (a) aPrimary school - O the Chairman' CommunftY Teachers Association; (d the head teacher' and GD 'he Chairma& School MaDagement C{mtitEe' O) a secondary school' - O the Chaima& Board ofGovernors; @ the PrinciPa[ and (rif the Chairman' Fbance and ^D"""]'f"ment Commitlee of tbe Board ot Governors; md (c) a commlmity edration centre' - O the Chairman' Centre Management Commisee; @ the coordinaor or manager' Community Edrcatioa Centre; (ii) a nominee ofthe ftnding partner' No. The Basic aad Senior *cohdary Ed*otion Act, 2023 6 PARIVII.ESTABLISHINC ANDOPERATING PRIVATE scHoots 60. 0) A person shall not establish or operate a Private Esrabliebmcnt, school unliss he satisfies the requtements and policy guidelines on oF.mtiotr ttrd school approvals established by the Ministry for operation and delivery education service delivery. g'riddis (2) An individual or a group ofpersons or an instiEtion may establish, manage and operate a pre-primary, primary or secondary school if they meet rhe criteria laid down b the Policy Guidelines atrd related policies established by the Ministry for operation and education service delivery. (3) A private educational institution shall be incorPomted as a legal entity with well-structued administrative, fi.duciary and operational bodies. (4) Aa individusl or a group ofpersons or an institution operating a school in Sierra l,eone. regardless of the ownersbip, shall ensure that the school is safe and have a management and worlforce able to enswe the safety ofthe cbildren under their care. (5) An existing school that has not 4Plied for approval shall be required to do so within 6 moutfu after the coming into operation of this Act 6i. A proprietor and rnanager of a scbool for which approval cri&rie for to establish is soughl slull be a fit and proper person to be in ;hfige :X*i";f "'ofa sclnol aod shall - (a) be of good repute, as asest€d by 2 referees with impeccable records, for each applicant, with no criminal or trx evasion records. no record of continuing major mental health problems, no tecord of bankruptcy or insolvency in the preceding five (5) years; school 50 NG The Borric ond Senior Secondary Edtrcation Ac' 2023 (d) make an affirmation that the establishment of the proposed school would be in fte pubtic interest and that the site selected for the school is conducive for teaching and leaming' (b) show proof of access to sufficient fimds to establish and nm an institution; and (c) especialty, in the case ofthe manager' show evidence ofwork experience in education; (e) show proof that at least 50 percent of the teacbing staffhas the requisite qualifications in rheir subject arcas; (0 show evidence of sufficient financial resources to - @ embark on and comPlete the school construction, as u'ell as keep the school operational for a period ofat lea.$ 3 yeas without financial suPport from the Ministry, determined bY the bank statements ol the proprietors which should show an a.mount grealer than the estimated cost of conskucting the school; (i, indicate that the proposed school buildings will be constructed strictl-v in accordance with the school construcdon rules and staodards ofthe Ministry; (g) establish that the school premises rvill have - No. The Basic and Senior Secondary Ulcatioi -11ct, 2023 51 6z (l) The Ministry, in consul[ation with the local council' lfc'"ding may rescind or suspend an approval if it is proved that the school i,*"a1nt has differed in tays for which approval was initialty granted. approval. (2) Ifa school, to which approrzl has been grante4 does not operate fully within 2 years after approval the aPProval will lapse. 63. (l) A person shall not coDshuct a school without urautboriscd authorisation or oierate a school x'hich has not been regisrered *ie "f:::*",:' tbe Minisu-w or with rbe local council of llle area O adequate and proPer hygienic facilities, inclusive of separate toilets for female teachers and girls; (ii) reading room facility or access to a variety of reading materials, video and audio material to augment leaming; and (iiD adequare recreational spac.e for the childrcn. (2) A pcrson who contravenes subsertion (l) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction !o a fine not exceoding L€50O0 and to a firther fire not exceeding k500 forevery day duing which the school is operatcd. (2) Where the new proprie*or is not a fit and ProPer Person or institution to manage a school ard does not satisfu the requiements oullined in section 61 for managing a school, the earlier approval for operarirg fiat schoot shall be withdrawn and the manager or proprietor shall cease to operate the school immediately. 64. (l) Where there is a change of ownership of a changc of govemment- assisted or pdvate school, rhe proprietor shall, wfttin 3 osrcrship' months, inform dre Midstry in writing of the change. 52 Na The Basic and Sentol Secondary Education Act 2073 Closurc of privalc school. Petitions and appcsls. (3) A manager or proprietor who conlravenes subsection (2), commits an offence and is liable on convictioD to a fine ofl-e I 0,000 or to imprisonmeEt for a term not less than 6 months or to both such file and imprisonment 65. (l) The Minster shbll, on the advic€ ofthe local council, in thecase of a basic education iDstitutio4 order the closure of a privae school if- (a) &e school is not managed in the bes interests of the pupils attending the schml; and (b) the continuing existence ofthe school is not in the public interest. (2) Where a school is closed permanently, an-angements shall be made for the pupils to be admitted into orher schools with ar"ailable space. 6- (l) A parent or guardiar! who suspects discrimination that may affect the wellbeing oftheir child or ward, may appeal to the local cormcil in the case of a basic education school ot to drc Minister in the case of a senior secondary school for redress. (2) Wbere an appeal is made under subsection (l), the education committee of the local council or the Chief Education Officer shall dlect the manager or the proprietor, in writing, to make amends within a given p€riod and ifthe manager or proprietor fails to make the amends within the stipulated period, the local council or the ChiefE<fucation Officer may, as decase rnalr be, order tle closure of the school. (3) A ma$ager or proprietor aggribved by a decision of the local council or the Chief Education Offrcer under subsection (2) may appeal to the Minister and the Minister's decision on the maner shall be final. No. The Basic ondSenior Secoadary Educalion Act, 2023 53 67. (1) A proprietor or manager shall be d€emed to h""" crit"rin fo, futfilled the School Approval Criteria specified rurder section 6l in recciving order to qualif) to receive govemment t'rnancial assistance, in the tote'nme"t case ofa lovenrment-assist;d schooi, if- *m (a) he is able to meet a minimun of20 Percent of the running cost of the school evidence of which shall be in terms ofannual income or assets; (b) there is existence ofa properly comtituted and f,mctioning ove,rsight body; (c) there is avaiiability ofan Iniem€t Technolory room o; access to InterDet Technologyresources and equipment that would augmeot teaching md learning: {d} tbere are adequate numtrer of teachers for the subjects offered with a targeted oPtimrnn pupi l-to-qualified-teacher ratio of20 for preprimary'. 40 for primary andjunior secondary iinC 35 tbr senior seconda4r school; (i) there is evidence of a functional administration including a School Managem€trt Committee, or Board of Covernors and Community Teachers Association that can properly manage the school and ftrnds provided by the Ministry. PART VIII . DECEN'TRALiSATON OF BASIC EDUCAIION 68- The Minister shail institute measures for the effective s&sic dec€ntralisatiorl cf rhe management of basic education to the local :Ecdion councils. in accordan.. uritt tU. prorlrions ofttt" f,o.ut C"u.-tn*t ::jff:|, Act 2004. v No Tle Basic and Senior Secondary Edt/cation Act 2023 Lcal Couacil Educ.tiotr CoBmittee. 69. (l) A local muncil shall establish an education committee. (2) A local council educrtion commitsee established under subs€ction (l) shall have no fewer lhan I0 and not more than 15 members and at least halfoftlre commiuee members shall be members ofthe local coulcil. (3) TheDepury Director ofEducation, Ministry ofBasic and Sinior Secondary Education and the District Deputy Director, Sierra t eone Teaching Service Commission shall be members ofthe local council education committee. (4) A penon r}'ho is not a member ofa local council may be appointed a member ofthe local cormcil education committee ifhe posscsses loowledge and experience in education and is acquainted with the educational conditions prevailing in the area for which the committee is established. (5) A local council, acting uith or tfuough its education committee, shall be responsible for advising the Minister generally on any educational matter referred to it. (O A local council shall consider a report from its education committee before exercising any of its fimctions with respect to ducation in its area- (a) establisb- organise, develop and control educalion at pre-primary, primary, andjunior secondary schools, or pommrmity educalion centres within its area ofauthoritl; (b) allocate subventions to pre-primary- primaq, and junior secondary schools tom funds placed at its disposal or from its own resourcesi Duties of 70. (l) A local council, acting with or tbrough its educadon local couocils' commitee, shalll_(,r, The Basic and Senior Secondary E{lucation Act. 2V23 55 (c) maage school feeding progmmmes in its area of au&ority; (d) manage the use of the schools transport system for the benefit oflhe chil&enl (e) ensure that teaching atrd learning materials distribded to the local council aEjudiciously utillsed by the intended beneficiaries: (f) with cooperatior tom tte Ministryand Sicrra I-eone Teaching Sewice Cornmission, ensure that effective teaching and learning takes place in its area ofauthority; (g) register and approve educarion providers working in its area; O) adyise the Minister generally upon any educatiotral matter referred to h. PART D( - T}IE SCHOOL ENYIRONMENT 71. (l) A leamiag environment sha.llbe conducive; pbysically childand psychologically safe. free from all forms ofviolence and abuse friendly schools. and facililates learning. (2) A government, govemment-assisted or private school shall - (a) be child-friendlv. inclusive and actively pronmte gerder-semilivity, tolerarce, digfty and personal empowerment; (b) provide basic disabled-friendly and genderfriendly health and sanitation facilities; (c) provide spacious and well-ventilated class rooms; 56 No. The Basir ond Seiior Secofidaty Edscation Act 202-1 (d) actiyely discoEage discrimindiotr in all forms and entploy measures to eradicate it' (3) A member ofthe staffofa xhool or person engaged to teach oi t ppott t*"ntg at a school, shall not bully; harass' *iAii "t*", pnysicalty abuse, sexually abuse or exploit children in his care. (4) Cyber bulling by a teacher or school autority against a pupil is prohibited. (, PuPils and teachers shall dress appropriately' according to the regulations ofthe school' 72. (l) Corporal Pmishm€nt and all other forms ofdegrading Dunishment designed to cause, or create fear of physical pain in a i +i[a.i"io"fu or $r€atened for the prnposes of dominuion or oo rcl are Prohibited (2) A member ofsafofa schooL or a person engaged to t rcU or .uppo.t t"a"hing * a school, shall not administer corporal punishment to a Pupil of that school' (3) APersoru including a relative ofa pupil' shall not - (a) adminiser corporal punishment to a pupil on school gtounds; or O) thrcatetr a Pupil wilh corPorat punishment on the school gounds' (4) Ahernative forms of discipline including positive methods may be emptoyed for child development' n. (l) Bullying, harassmenl verbat abuse, phlsical atrse' sexual atruse'and exploitation ofa pupil by another pupil is proh&ited' Corpo18l puuishocnt- Pupil-onpupil tiolcncc, etc. prohibitcd. No The Basic ond Senior Secondan/ E.lucation Act, 2023 , (2) Cyber bullying against peers or other pupils is prohibited 7a. (l) Itrdiscipline in schools constitutes a violation ofthe hdiscipliDc rules and regulations ofthe schoot. :l&*u * (2) Statr indiscipline shall be addressed iB accordance with Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission Act and the Code of Condua for Teachers and otber Educational Personnel in Sierra Leone. (3) A school shall proyide, as part of its School Irnprovement Plan, details on how it intends to ad&ess cases of pupil or staffiDdiscipline during the school year. (4) Cases ofpupil or staffindiscipline shall be thoroughly and fairly investigated before action is taken. 75. (l) The head of the school may! after a fuir hearing by a suspersios competent bo4v, suspend a pupil orteacher from attendingthe school alld for i period not less than a week. - expulsioDs' (2) l,eaming rnaterials shall be made available to the pupil rvho is suspended &om school under subsection (1). (3) The head teacher shall report the suspension of a pupil or teachet in uriting, to the Chairman ofthe School Management Committee, or in the case ofa secondary school. the principal shall report the matter, iD *riting, to the Standing Committee ofthe Board ofGovemors. (4) A suspended pupil or a suspended staffmember shall be informed in writing of the reasons for his suspension. (5) A pupil shall not be expelled from a school unless, on the finding of the School Management Committee or the Board of Govemors' Standing Comminee, as the case may be, the pupil is cutpable of serious breaches of discipline. No. The Basic and Seniot Secondary Edtteation Act 2023 Right of app€al. Aberrant children- Sick children. (Q Ajr expelled pupil shall be informed in wdting of the reasons for his expulsion and coPies ofthe letter ofexpulsion shall be sent to the local council education committee and to the Deputy Director ofthe Ministry in the district. @ Where apupil is eryelled fivm a school, an apPmPriate altemative school shall be identified for the pupil to coDtinue his education. (8) Ateacheraccuscd ofgrave indiscipline orprofessional misconduct shall have bis case referred to the Sierra Leone Teaching Ssrvice CoDmission for necessary action. 76. (1) A suspended or exP€l1ed PuPil has rhe right ofappeal to the local muncil or ihe ChiefEducation Officer. as the case may be, w hin a week of receiving the letter ofsuspension or epulsioD' (2) The local council or Cbief Education Officer may auihorise a competent body to re-investigate the matter and report accordingly and commmicate their findings to the relevant authority' (3) A suspended or expelled pupil, his parents and the school authorities shall be informed ofthe final decision ofthe local council or the Chief Education Officrr, as the case nray be' 7. Children with behavioural problems as detennined by the school authorities may be handed over to the appropriate agenc.v for care and guidance. 78. (l) The Ministry responsible for health and sanitation in concsrt with other qualified health providers may authorise regular school medical impections to promote lte wellbeing ofthe children' (2) The Miniser shall make rules allowing children who arc sufferiDg Aom an infection or contagious disease which is likelli in the opinion of a Medical Officer, to be detrimental to the health of other pupils, to be excluded from tte school for a specified period' No. The Basic and Senior Secondary Educario^ Act, 2023 I (3) Fint aid kits and a person tained in first aid shall b€ available for a scbool or r cluster ofschoots. (4) A child who is sick or injued at school shall, with the consent ofhis parents or guardiar! be prorided with medical services. 79. The Ministry shall, in collaboration with the Minisry school responsible for housing and infrastructure, the local council irftctructutc. proprietors md panners, ensure that goverffnent and governm€ntassisted schools have the requhed inFastructure for effective teaching, leaning and recreaiion. PARTX- QUALITYCONTROL 80. (l) The Ministry shall ensure that there is regular Qudity collaboration among its vadous directorates and parulers including asumn"' local authorities for effective monitoring ofservice deliv€ry in order to guarante€ quality assuance and that th€ Ministr/s operations, guidelines, standards and goals are forward-looking realistic and achievable. (2) The Ministry shall take stringent measures to curb examination malpractices and other forms ofmrlfeasance that ae likely to erode con{idence in the school system. 81. (1) School Quality Assurance, Monitoring and Resouc€ Monirorisg officers andshall - arld supcrvisioo. (a) make periodic visits to schools, observe and take note of what is happening and offer profess ional advice; (b) ensure that the teaching and learning resources provided are being properly used; (c) in collaboration wilh tbe school heads, insist that teachers develop their scheme of work and lesson plans and obtain the proper teaching aidst @ No Tfu Basic andsenior Secondar! Hucotion Act 2023 Assessmenls (@ submit inspection data and information to Sierra Leone Teaching Service Corunission for regular in-service training programmes for teachers; (e) work with local autborities and other monitoring bodies established by the Minister; (f) receive reports on the quality and quantity of the teaching and leaming materials in the schools and make reconrmendations to the Chief Education Ofiicer, m appropriate. (2) Local mrmcfu, School Managex and Proprietors sball regulady visit their schools to make sure that effective teaching and leaming takes place and institute corrective measures as appropriate. 82. (1) Regular, saess-free evaluatioDs shall be conduaed tr order to provide informatioo on rvhether individual pupils and the system are making progress towards achieving leaming goals. (2) School authorities shall ensure that eYaluations ale prpil-Eiendly and do noi impose urmecessary anxiety on the learners. (3) The Ministr,' shall develop a template for the intemal assessment of pupils at various stages h all goverDment and government-assisted schools nalionwide. (4) Continuous assessment of primary level pupils shall be carried out in primary schools along the lines given ro s€hools by the Ministry in a continuous assessment haDdbooli, and contiluous assessment scores shall be employed in the manner stipulated in that handbook. (5) Teac.hers shall be exposed to iurovative ways of ass€ssment, including the testing ofthe critical and crearive thinking skills ofpupils. NG lhe Basic antl senior S?coidary Educdtion Act, 2023 6) (6) Pupils, paflicularly those at the senior secoDdary level. may be given atr opporfimitv to periodically evaluate their teachers through standardised procedures. (7) Sierra IJone Teaching Service Commission shall conduct regular appraisal of teachers and school authorities. (8) The Minister may, in consultation with the Iocat councils, determine and publish minimum national standards for basic and senior secondary schools, and reserve the dght to order a school tlat does not adhere to such standards to cease opemtions. 83. (l) Tbe Minist-v shall provide a aational curriculum for cuniculum use in all government md govemment-assisted schools tbroughout dev.lopEctt - ssd ,cvicw. )letTa Laone. (2) Private schools ma! also use the national curriculum. (3) The Minisn-y shall - (a) ensure that the national curriculum is available in gover nent and govemmentassisted schools together *'ith the requisite teaching and leaming materials, including texlbooks and reade6; (b) authorise the periodic review ofthe national curriculum; (c) in collaboration with Sierra Leone Teaching Sen'ice Commission and teacher education entities, organise rainhg workshops for teachers and other education providers on the proper use ofthe syllabuses and related teaching resources; a. No. The Basic aad Senior Secondary Hucation Act 2023 English is Medium of instruction. School librari.s (d) on the advice of relevant Partners and stakeholdeE, iltxoduce rew subjects into rhe education system. PART)C - MODE OF I}ISTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS Ea. (l) English is the mode ofinstruction in all government and govemmeDt-ilssisted schools. (2) In the early years ofschooling (3-8 years), the use of a local or commrmity language as medium of instruction shall be allowed. (3) The Minisay is comrnited to the t€aching of global languages which will be encouraged. (4) Innovation and technolory application in teaching and learning, including hands-on leaming and project-based instmction shall be encouraged and actively pursued. PARTXII . SCHOOL LIBRARIES 85. (l) A school shall endeavour to establish and maintain a well- equipped library for the use ofthe pupils and teachers. (2) Where a separate room for a library is not available, library books can be made available in classrooms and other appropriate locations in the school. (3) Where possible, school librarias may be opoted beyond normal school hours. (4) The Siera Leone Library Board slrall, through its regioml and district otrrcers, and with lhe cooperation of local councils and other par[Ers, assist iu sourcing relevant reading materials and other educatiolal resourcesfor pupils and teachers. :t-o. T'Ip Basie and Sen{or Seco dary Education Act, 2023 63 (5) Efforts shall b€ made to create digital libraries and provide iBtemet a.trd computer facilities in schools. PARTXII - FRAUDAND CORRUPTION 86. (1) The Ministry shall not entertain fraud or corrupt Fraud ed practica in anyeducationat ilstitution, corruption (2) Fraud and other corrupt practices in an educational institution are prohibited- - (3) The Ministry shall, in collaboration with Anti- Corruption Corurissioa, West A&ican Examinations Cormcil, the police and civil society orgadsations, prevent or Drosecute co upt practic€s ir educational institutions including -. (a) misappropriation of school flrnds; O) floutitrg procuemelt rules and guidelines with intent to defraud; (c) nepotisn iD hiring, bnibery and weak financial coatrolsl (d) (e) o money, goods and services ibr gpades; examiration malpracrices; inflating school enrolmenl figures and candidate numbers. S/. (l) .A school shall keep an accurate and up-to{ate register ofpupils enrolled in the school including a record ofthe name ofthe pupil, the eDrolment data. personwho has primar-v care ofthe pupil and the address of the pupil. l\tainlainiDg accurat9 school. \ 61 No, The Basic andsehior Secondarv Education Act 2023 @) A register under subsection (1), shall be supplied to the Ministr-v at the begiming of the school year, or when entry into the first year ofa level, (Primary; Jrmior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School) is completed. (3) A sc.hool shall inform the Minister of a pupil whose name is on the register but does not attend school for more than 4 weeks within a 3 monrh period and ol any new entrants to the schocl. (4) A proprietor School Manager, head teacher, principal or slaff member ofa school, knowing thal a pupil is not enrolled, shall not aCd tie name of such person to the register. (5) Aproprietor, School Manager, headteacher, principal or staffwho contravenes subsection (4) commits an ofence and is Iiable on convictioo, to a fine of not less than Le 1000 for ench Dame so falsely recorded as enrolled. (O A proprietor, School Manager, head teacher or principal who causes a slzffmember to add the Dame ola pupil not erolled in the school to the register in violation of subsection (4) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, to a fine of not less ttran Ir3000 for each name so falselr' recorded as enrolled. (7) A parent or guardian is obliged to immediately inform school heads tllat he \ ishes to hansfer or witbdraw his child from the school and obtain a transler certificate ftom dre school that his child Y/as altendirg. (8) The head of a school shall, on receiving a aansfer case, insistthat the pupil presens a traisfer certificaE before admitting the transferedchild. (9) A proprietor, school u an4er, hearJ teacher or principal ofa school who does not inform t}}e Minisrer that a pupil is no longer enrolled in the school within 45 dal,S of that pryil ceasing to be enrolled, slnll be fined not less than Le5000. No. Tle Br.sic atd Senior Secondary Ed&ation Act, 2923 6i 88. (l) The Minisqv is fully conrmitted to gender equ$ and ccnoer gender mainstreaming shall be integrated inlo the Policies, cquitv' proganmes and activities of the Ministry in schools and other educatiotr c€ntes. (2) Affirrnative aclion may be taken 1() accelerare, through appropriate training programmes, the upward mobility ofwomen for senior management levcls in the Minisu:.v. 89. Staff in the luinistry with sPecial needs or physical st trwiln disability consaaints shall be supported and assured oftheir safety. special n'cds' 2a.o lolcrancc to barsssr!ert, PARTXV-EMERGENCIESANDINFECTIOUS DISEASE .tc. OUTBREAKS 91. (l) The Minister shail, on the advice ofrelevant bodies' tvlcasures authorise tie tempora+' ciosure of schools natioowide or in areas to bc takcn' adversely affected b)' polxicai disturbarces, infectious diseases, or similar disasters. PARI)<IV. EQUALITYOF OPPORTLTNITY IN TIIE I''ORKPI.ACE 90. Bullying harassment, verbal, emotional or physical abuse, sexual abuse or exptoitation in the Ministry is prohibircd. (2) In the case of epidemics and pandemics, mass vaccination of pupils and other preventive measures may be instinrted by the goverixnent in schools- (3) On the advice ofa Medical Officet, ctrtain sick chil&en may be isolated. (4) The Mrnistr]' shall ensure tlnt pupils conainue to acc€ss education during infeclirrus diseas€ outbreaks and other emergencies thrcugh distance and rentedial leaming via the radio, television and other accessible modern technologies. No. The Br.|'ie ond Senior Secot.dd!| Edxca'ion Au-t 2023 (2) A Task Force under subsection (l) shall be charged wirh the following activities - (a) emergency prevention and response; O) coordination and moniloring; (c) school safet)', ald (O eDvironmental safety- PARTXVI. EDUCATION MANAGEMENT INFORMAIION SYSTEM g1. (l) The regular collection of accurale data and analysis across all levels in the education sector increases the Ministry's ability to malie informed decisions and appropriate responses'/ actiom on long term planningbudgeting and to respond appropriately to crisis situations. (2) The Education Managene lnlbrmation System of the Minist'y shall track key Perfonnance indicalors including teacher and pupil aftendenee, the status of facilities in the schools, the fimciionaliry ofthe school clubs, pareat-teacher committees' school f€eding effohnent, etc. Responsibility 2. A parent or Ssardian shall ensure that his.-child or ward of jarenr oi makes reasonable use ofthe teaching and learn rg facilities proYided guatdis, by the Ministr-l'during infectious disease outbreaks and other emergencies. Emergcncy Educdion Task Force. 93. (l) The Ministy, together with other ministries, departments, agencies and Partners. shall enhance its emergency prevention, preparedness, and response strategies !y cr-eattng -a p"***t sttucfire to be known as Emergency Education Task force, with focal persons in each district. Data coliectrotr arld snallsis No The Basic dndsenior Seco ddry Educdrion Act, 2t23 67 95. (l) A pupil shall have a National Identification Number N€tiDn'J provided by the Nadonal Civil Registration Authority and a Uoique l*t*::d"' L€arner . Identification issued by the Ministry which shall be used to track pupils and provide other reliable information on them. (3) The Ministry's data hub shall serve as a tool to support decision-making through an evidence-based and datadriven process for researc[ informed polic1,, planning and eraluation of interventions across schools. (4) A pri!'ate, non-governmertal or charitable educalional institBion shall be mandated to submit reliable and regular data, including tbeArmual School Census, on all their educational facilities and resources to the l\4inistry x,hen requested to do so and failure to do so may lead Io withdrawal oflicence to operale the school. (2) A pupil s data may be shared only in accordance with other laws guiding on personal daJa and information sharing. PART XVII. EDT]CATION YOUTHADVISORY GROTJP 96. (l) The ]vlinisrer shall establish an Education Youth Formation Advisory Group conrpose,l of pupils and other young Fopt" to *r"",ion advise him on matters p!'rtinent to their welfare and interests. youth Advisory (2) The comp.rsition and oser flmctions oftlrc Edncation Gtoup' Youth Advisory Group may be determined by the Minister. (3) The Education !-outh Advisory Group shall bave representation fiom <very districq be gender balanced, and include children r*'ilh special nceds 6S No. The Braic and Senior Secon ldta Eduldtion Act 7023 Pannerships. PARIXVIII - PARTNERSHIPS 9?. (1) Parmerships are essential for achievilg the goals and objectives of the Ministry and the Ministry shall continue to strenghen its relations withparents and caregivers, proPrietors of schJs, civil society organisations, the Private sector, Ministies, Departments and Agencies, national and iDterDational oongo;emmental organisations, external donors, semi-autonomous f,odies ofthc Minist-y, protective service delivery agencies and old pupils' associations. (2) The coorttination desk at the Ministry, whose mandate is to forge healthy relationships with and oversee the work of educ€tion partners, shall be fJly capacitated to effectively carry out its f,mctions. llc The Basic and Senior Seconddry Fdtcation Act, ZO?5 d) FIRST SCHEDLILE and of l. Goals oftie €ducation system The overall goals ofrhe Sierra Leone education qrstcm ar€ b contibute to ite obtaining ofcitizeus who can fulfil their individual potetrtials though acquisition of relevant and appropriate skills; @) citizens who can contribute meaningflrlly to building a cohesive, healthy, and saong nation with a sastainable aDd dynamic economy; (c) a Fee, just and peace-lovi.og society; (d) a democratic and harmonious natioq and (e) a moral and disciplined people. 2. Ministry ofBasicand Senior Secondary Education Missiotr $atement To provide opportunities for children, adolescents, and adults to acquire knowledge and skiuE as well as nurture good attitudes and values for individual economic growth. 3.\fision $at€ment All leamers in Sierra Leone will have equal opporhmit_v to access quality basic, technical, vocational and higher education that enables them to participate in public life, contribute to rhe national and global economy, and fuI.fiI their potential. (a) No. The Basic and Senior Secondary Mucation Act 2073 4. Key objectives of the Ministry (a) To orovide a broad-based, accessible and relevant '-' eOucarion for all leamers from pre-primary to senior secondaDl school through the provision of an aPprropnate t"urnirgioriron-"1t, lurricula and suitably qualified teachers. ftr'l To raoidlv enhanc€ tbe comprehension' computational ' ' tlinting ana bchnological skillE creativity, crilical thinking and ciics proficiencies of leamers irespective of where they live, or their social or physical circumsraoces' (c) To imDrove on aDd expatrd the teaching oflocal and foreign ' ' tang,rages, science. ticbnolory. engineering' agriculhre and madlematics. (O To significa ly improve $e qualiry ofand acc€ss to non- ' ' formit, informal and lifelong education by incr€asing opportunities for the acquisition of literacy' numeracy' w'ork-oriented' markJtabte and entrepreneurial competencies to render the learners highly competitive' (e) To provide equity in educatio[ through a policy of non- ' - discrimination in all goverrunent and government-assisted schools (0 To ensure maximum quality curicula, environmental shndards atrd policies regardless of where tle school is to be located or $'hether it is private or publ ic' To enhance innovation and t€chnplog-v application in baching aDd leaming. To remove atl barriers to tie education ofall chil&en ald especial ly girls, and leamen liv ing * ith di sabil ities' so that thly will be able to realise their tull potentials' (e) (h) No, The Basic and Senior Secondary Educarior Act, 2023 71 $ To encourage children to use the education they receive for the benefit of therDselves, their commuriities and the nation at large. $ To develop in children a spirit of patriotisro, national harmony and civic respoosibilities. (k) To cultivate in children pertine skiils, attitudes, and values th4t ryill enable them to become effectiye, responsible and good citizens. (D To support childrcn to develop appropriate social maoners and effecti\€ commudcation skills for peaceful co-existeme as well as critical and creative thinking ability for problem solving. 5, Rigb&ba-sededucation (a) It is the right ofevery Sierra Leoucan child to receive basic atrd senior secondary education. O) Basic and senior secondary education shall be equitably spread across the country to give all children the opporh$iry to access schooling. (c) The age ofen y into pre-primary and primary school shall be 3 and 6 years, respectivery-. Compulsory educatiotr begins at age 5 with one year required pre-primary education. (d) The education committee oftle local comcil for the area in u,hich the child lives may graDt a child an exemption ftom compulsory altendance if, in the comrnittee's opinion, it is in the best interest of the pupil. (e) A paren! including a guardian, \lho rcglects to send their child/ward to school for basic education commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fit'e not exceeding tri00 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to botb such fine and imprisonment. No. The Basic and Setior Secondd'y Educatton '4cl 2023 n (Q The local council may require the defaulting pareDt or guardian to Perform co mudty service for a specified period in lieu ofthe lure or imprisonment' Free Quality School Education (IQSE) is a goYemment progr?imme. Its purpose is to increase nationwide access L quatltv pre-primar-v, primary, and secordary school, nonformal eaucation as vell as school-level techDical and vocational education and training. (h) Pre-primary, primary and secondary education is &ee for all Sierra konean children under the FQSE from age 5 years and above. (D The MiDistry in partnership u'ith local councils and humanitarian agencies, shall organise school feeding programrnes for certain categories of children across the countr_v. $ Where appropriate, the Ministr-v in consultation with the West Afican Examinations Council or any other such examining bodywill determine national examination fees to be paid by pupils. Where appropriate, the Ministr-v in consultationwith other entities will provide a safe form oftrznsportation for pupils to access school- 0) (k) \lhere appropriate, the Ministry in partnenhip with other government and non-goverffnental organisations will provide core textbooks and other teaching ard learning materials to public schools. Non-publ ic schools may beneft &om such iDterventions- 6. Responsibilities ofschool heads, parents/guardians and pupils A school head who deliberatety th$'arts the objectives of the Ministry, sball be liable to such disciplinar)' action as (b) tr_o TIE Basic on,l Se ior Secondary EdtEation ,4c1, 2023 t1 rnay tre determined by the lv{inister in consultation r'r'idl the relevant local cruncil and t]re Sierra Leone Teacbing Service Commission . Such disciplinary- action may include dismissal. (c) The books and other resourees provided by the govemnent and partners are not for sale and any person or g oup ofpersons caught selling these materials commils a criminal offence and shall be prosecuted' (d) ft is the responsibility ofPaients and guardians to ensure that their childrenlwards make the utnost use of the t'aai I ities/resources provided to enhance effective learning. (e) Al! pupils shall emure that tley take the greatest care of the learning materials provided by the govemment and partrerJ- .Ary pupil who wilfully misuses such malerials slrall be required to pay for sarne. 1fl A chiid in t}e basic education sector (i-e. the govemrnentmandated one year of pre-primary school, six .vears of prima,l' school, artd tlree years ofjumior secondary- school) s !':c persistentl.v fails to atend school shall be lreabd as a delinquent in need of carc and would be referred to the tEl.\'a institution or agency for guidance aad counselling. ,T4 No The Bdsk dtul Senior Secondal Liucation Act 2023 The puryose ofihisAct is to reshucture afld reform t]e Ba-sic and Senior Secondary Education system 10 make it &ee, accessible' compulsory relevanl all-inclusive and rights-base4 to improYe the govema[ce structur€ of the school s5'stern and to provide for other related matters. PART IV - speaks to providing every school-going child the opportunitv to access school regardless ofhis circumstances and also delineates the imPodance ofearly childhood education- TheAct is divided into lEParts- PART I- pmvides for the interpretation ofcertain terms and expressions in the Act' PART II - deals with the control and suPervision ofeducation, the powers ofthe Minister and the core respoffibilities of the Ministry. PART III - describes the composition and fimctions of the Mfuisfty's National Board of Education. MEMORANDTJ]VI OFOBJECTS.{ND RE,{SONS PARI V - considers the structure and purpose of basic and senior secondary education in Sierra Leone- PARI Vl - explains the system of govemance in the schools and the roles oftbeir various oversight bodies. PARMI - establishes the criteria for opening and running a private school, and the penalties for non-compliance with the rules and regulations. PARI VIII - examines the role oflocal cormcils in the provision ofbasic education' P.ART IX - highligha the key eleme.nts that eonstitute a child-fi:iendly school environmeat and the consequences ofgrave misconduct by a pupil or a teacher' PART x - examines the place ofquali$'control in enhancing the school system and discusses some ofthe strategiss for effective quality contol, including moniloring and supervision, assessments and curriculum development and review' \o Thc Basa aad Senior Secohdary Educatioi Act, ?43 't5 PARI )O - provides for the mide ofinstruction in schools' PARI )(II - mates provrsion for school libraries' tlq.RT xIU - deals with ftaud and comrption in &e school sy$em and oudines some concrete steps to culb comryt practices in the schools' PART )(IV - rmdencores the Ministry's commiEnentto Bender equity ad to making the workplacr liveable for all employees. PART XV - addresses practical mesures the Ministry can take during emergencies or infectious disease outbreaks to ensure that pupils continue to access leaming despite ttre mishap. PARTXVl.describestherelevarrceofaccuratedatacollectionandanalysisinthe education system. PART XVII - outlines the role and imPortance of the Education Youtb Advisory Grorp. PART XVIII - examines the significance ofparnerships in gomoting tlre work of the Minisn-Ii- Schedule. Made ttris da1 of _2023 DAVID I}IOININA SENGf,H lvlinister o1 Basic and Senior SecondaDi Educarion' FREETOWN, SIERRALEONE. Pt[.rrED.ND PL-.BLLSSED 8t a]rE Got'EiNlc]ar PRE.-rNG DEr'^Irrr,{!!*'1, SrE$r'A G,perrt Ltrnao*ott'ttx/ No. 19 or l2r}l A}RrL 2023