Education Minister Ruel Reid says preparations are in high gear for the new school year, which begins next Monday.

In an interview with Irie FM News Mr. Reid says the ministry has been early in getting funding, books and other school supplies ready, for the educational institutions.

These include preparation for early childhood institutions that the ministry governs, primary and secondary institutions.

In anticipation of the new school year, the ministry has been sending out senior officers in the field to engage in dialogue with educators as it relates to charting the way forward.

He emphasized that education is the most important gift a parent can give a child and each one that is of age to attend school must do so, as provided for in the education code.

The Education Minister said no child must be kept at home without good cause, and no school should exclude any student.