axe down on teachers' jobs.

But he said cuts were likely through non-renewal of contracts and "natural attrition.'' Mr. Simons spoke amid uncertainty over how the Education Ministry would cope next year with coffers drained by the recession.

He also revealed the Ministry would be launching an Island-wide survey of parents.

Parents will be asked to comment on a broad spectrum of education, including curricula and facilities.

It follows similar surveys involving teachers and students.

And in another move, in January secondary schools host "open houses'' to parents of Primary Seven students. It will allow parents to make an informed choice of school for their youngsters.

Mr. Simons was speaking after a meeting on Saturday with members of the executive committees of parent/teacher associations.

Also there were his permanent secretary Dr. Marion Robinson and chief education officer Mr. Dean Furbert.

Mr. Earle Wood, project manager for the implementation team for restructuring, was present too.

The four-hour meeting at Stonington, Paget, revolved around Government's planned reforms.

These involve setting up five middle schools, two senior secondary schools, and integrating special students into maintstream education.

Last night Mr. Simons described the meeting, which is held once a term, as fairly cordial.

"It was certainly less heated than some I've attended,'' he commented.

Mr. Simons said it was stressed the planned Middle School programmes would be phased in.

This required coordinating the curriculum, facilities, and the staff, he added.

"The changes will not compromise the education of children in the existing system, which we are continuing to improve. This was something which was emphasised at the meeting.'' Mr. Simons said Government's interim plan to admit Primary Seven pupils to high schools in light of the abolition of the 11-plus exam was also discussed.

The measure, before the major reforms are introduced, will allow parents to send their children to high schools near their homes.

Alternatively children can sit entrance exams for Berkeley Institute or Warwick Academy.

"One idea from the meeting was that secondary schools should have open houses for Primary Seven parents before they make their choices,'' said Mr. Simons.

"This was a very good suggestion, and something which we will do.'' Mr. Simons said budgetary worries also surfaced, and the effects on education.

Mr. Simons said a review of teacher/pupil ratios throughout the Island was underway.

The required ratio for primary schools was 1:25 and for secondary schools 1:15.

"It is something being looked at over the next couple of months,'' explained Mr. Simons.

"I don't anticipate any redundancies. I do, however, foresee job losses through natural attrition, such as retirements, and non-renewal of contracts.'' Mr. Simons added school discipline and corporal punishment did not feature prominently in the discussions.