People who open nurseries or kindergartens without permission could face jail time of up to three years, a fine of between BD200 and BD1,000, or both, under new amendments to a law.
Any nursery or kindergarten that changes standards, specifications, location or any other requirement without notifying the Education Ministry could also be fined the same amount.
The Shura Council’s legislative and legal affairs committee, chaired by Dalal Al Zayed, reviewed the constitutional and legal aspects of the proposed amendments to the 2012 Child Law, presented by five members led by Dr Fatima Al Kooheji.
Ms Al Zayed
The members believe the amendments would strengthen government oversight over nurseries and kindergartens in Bahrain.
The committee backed the proposed bill and said it was constitutionally and legally sound.
Dr Al Kooheji
However, it sought to add a new clause to Article 20, stating that: “No nursery may be established without obtaining a licence from the Education Ministry, and no nursery may be managed, relocated, or have its specifications altered without the approval of the ministry.”
“The need for this amendment arose because the existing Article 20 does not explicitly mandate obtaining a licence for opening a nursery,” said Ms Al Zayed.
“This oversight means that individuals could potentially open and operate nurseries without official approval, which poses a risk to the quality and safety of childcare services.
“The proposed amendment ensures consistency with Article 63 of the same law, which already stipulates penalties for nurseries that change their location or specifications without ministry approval.
“By aligning Article 20 with these existing regulations, the law would provide a clearer and stricter framework for nursery operations in Bahrain.”
Ms Al Zayed stressed that regulatory oversight is essential to maintain high-quality educational and childcare services in the country.
“This amendment is a necessary step to prevent unauthorised nurseries from operating without proper regulations,” she explained.
“It ensures that every institution caring for children is held to the same standards and that the Education Ministry has full oversight of their operations.”
Ms Al Zayed also stressed that the amendment closed ‘all legal loopholes that could previously be exploited’.
Meanwhile, Dr Al Kooheji said the amendments were necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of children in Bahrain’s early education system.
“This law aims to guarantee that all nurseries operate within a structured and regulated framework to uphold the highest standards of education for our children,” she added.
“By enforcing strict licensing rules and penalties, we are protecting families and ensuring that every child receives proper care in a safe environment.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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