Cyprus Children’s Rights Commissioner Elena Perikleous has called for transparent admission criteria, stronger psychological support and more personalised assistance for pupils attending music, sports and all-day schools.
Speaking to Politis Radio 107.6 and 97.6, Perikleous discussed the findings of a report prepared by her office based on the views and experiences of 155 pupils attending the schools concerned.
‘Lottery system is not a good practice at all’
Asked about the use of lotteries to select pupils when applications exceed available places, the commissioner expressed concern.
"Not a good practice at all," she said, adding that her office welcomed indications that such practices may be abolished.
She said efforts are under way to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing music, sports and all-day schools, adding that public consultation procedures have already been completed and new regulations are awaited.
‘We listened to the children themselves’
Perikleous said the report was based on the experiences and views of the pupils themselves.
"We listened to the children themselves and are institutionally conveying their voice," she said.
According to the commissioner, pupils highlighted the need for a clear legal framework for the schools, transparent admission criteria for sports schools and stronger psychological support mechanisms.
"This is an extensive report that reflects the real experiences and concerns of children who live this reality every day," she said.
Focus on psychological support
Perikleous described psychological support as a particularly important issue.
"We are interested in the holistic development of the child and not exclusively in excellence," she said.
She noted that many pupils follow highly demanding schedules, combining lessons, training sessions and other activities until late in the evening.
"That is why the issue of psychological support is of crucial importance," she added.
‘Schools need more psychologists’
Responding to a question on shortages of school psychologists, Ms Perikleous said her office had already submitted relevant recommendations.
"It is a fact that schools need more psychologists," she said.
She added that there is a commitment to increase their numbers over the next three years.
"We hope this will be implemented because it is a genuine need," she said.
Calls for full transparency in admissions
The commissioner returned to the issue of lotteries, saying the problem remains unresolved.
"While assessment procedures exist, in practice, when places are limited, we often end up with a lottery," she said.
She explained that one of the issues identified is that admission criteria are often determined through circulars rather than through the regulations themselves.
"The important thing is for there to be complete transparency so that no shadows or doubts are created," she said.
‘Children should not be excluded because they struggle’
Perikleous argued that greater individualised support mechanisms are needed for pupils.
"A child's place in a sports school should not depend exclusively on whether he or she achieved a particular grade," she said.
In her view, when a pupil encounters difficulties, support should be provided for a reasonable period rather than the child being forced to leave the school they chose.
Positive assessment of music schools
Referring to music schools, the commissioner said the report did not paint a negative picture of infrastructure.
"We are not saying that the infrastructure is poor. We are saying that it needs improvement," she said.
According to Ms Perikleous, pupils reported high levels of satisfaction with the quality of music education they receive.
"Music schools are a successful institution," she said.
Welcomes six-year music programme
Perikleous also highlighted positive findings in the report.
"Indeed, one of the requests recorded by the children was the establishment of a six-year music education programme and we welcome the fact that this arrangement appears to be being adopted," she said.
She added that concerns remain over issues such as the link between morning and afternoon programmes.
In dialogue with Education Ministry
The commissioner said the report is accompanied by specific recommendations that have already been submitted to the Education Ministry.
"We are already in communication with the Ministry of Education to discuss both the findings and the recommendations of the report," she said.
She added that it is important for children's views to be incorporated into the final arrangements that are adopted.
"Many of our recommendations already appear to be moving in the same direction as the changes being promoted," she said, noting that she sees "significant scope for convergence and meaningful cooperation" with the Education Ministry.
