Inspectors to keep an eye on kindergartens

One inspector will be assigned to supervise standards at every five kindergartens in Beijing, under an interim guideline issued by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission on Wednesday.

The move comes after nationwide outrage was stirred in November over allegations of child abuse at a Chaoyang district kindergarten operated by RYB Education.

The guideline lays out the basic responsibilities of inspectors－conducting regular supervision of the kindergartens' management, facilities, safety, sanitation and faculty performance.

Information about the inspectors－names, photos, contact numbers and scope of responsibility－should be posted in a prominent place outside the gates of kindergartens, though the kindergartens should not have to pay for the inspectors, the guideline said.

Inspectors must observe each kindergarten at least once a month through a process that may include random checks, discussions and documentation reviews.

Inspectors will report the results to education supervision departments and provide feedback to the kindergartens.

Kindergartens should accept recommendations from the inspectors, and should not disturb their work, the guideline said.

Inspection results will be incorporated in the annual assessments of kindergartens.