“Once the response is satisfactory, we will implement it in all schools across the state from next year. The one-year course will include outdoor activities and learning as well. By the end of the year, the children will be familiar with alphabets, counting and would have developed the writing habit as well,” she said.

Schools with three or more teachers and classrooms will be chosen to start the pre-primary classes. Training of teachers will be start next month.

The Ganguly Committee, had recommended that one year of pre-primary should be available in all types of schools —private or government— in Delhi.

“While the classes were started there in urban areas, we are starting the classes in rural areas here,” said Veena.

The Ganguly Committee, headed by Ashok Ganguly, who was then CBSE chairman, was formed on the orders of the Delhi High Court to formulate a report on issues related to nursery admissions in private schools in Delhi and evolve appropriate criteria for the admission of children.

Its report was submitted to the High Court in October, 2006.