A scheme introducing nursery classes in State-run schools was launched by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

The classes would be conducted jointly by the School Education Department and the Social Welfare Department in all 32 districts.

 The scheme, with Montesorri education as the basis, is expected to benefit about 52,900 children in 2,381 anganwadi centres located in State-run middle schools.

The schools would be managed by headmasters of middle schools and would be under the administrative control of officials of the Integrated Child Development Scheme.

“Teachers who are to teach the children would be trained under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan,” an official release said.

School uniforms, footwear and stationery and a course completion certificate would be provided by the State government.

“Besides aiming at encouraging parents to admit their children in government schools, the scheme would boost children’s learning ability, English language skills and writing ability. This scheme would help children from humble backgrounds to get quality kindergarten learning,” it added.

Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, School Education Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar, Social Welfare Minister V. Saroja, Animal Husbandry Minister Udumalai K. Radhakrishnan, Information Minister Kadambur Raju, Rural Industries Minister P. Benjamin and senior officials were present on the occasion.