School age debate could be election issue

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The age at when children should start school is possibly becoming a cantonal election issue.

Geneva private schools are fighting plans by the canton to harmonize the dates between private and the public sector. The schools argue some international curricula they follow begins earlier than the current school age in the canton. 

But two candidates for the Geneva Council of State – Anne Hiltpold from the Liberal Party and Delphine Bachmann from The Centre, both propose lowering the age at when children start. 

They argue the move would relieve pressure on creches. It could affect more than 5,000 toddlers. 

The other idea, being proposed by the Green Liberal Party, is to increase parental leave. That issue will be voted on by the people.

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