Every year, my child's school comes up with various programmes, conducted during or after school hours, which draw on the child's Edusave funds. Many times, we parents are told it is compulsory for us to sign the approval form to withdraw the funds.

There have been instances where activities paid for by parents were not value for money. On top of that, the children's time was wasted.

What is MOE's view on such practices by schools? If the programmes are compulsory, why put the money into the child's account - or for that matter, why require parents to approve its use?

MOE might just as well give the school the right to apply to withdraw from the Edusave accounts of its registered students and simply keep parents informed about the withdrawal.

Alternatively, give the grants directly to the schools if the use is justified.

As it is now, how does MOE ensure schools do not exploit the loophole that children's Edusave grants are a source of funds they can tap without having to go through the formal process of approaching MOE for funding for programmes they want to try out?

How does MOE ensure schools spend the money wisely?

Tan Poh Cheng (Ms)