Beijing issued a regulation easing the burden heaped on students by schools and after-school training institutions on Aug 18, aiming to effectively reduce parents' expenses and children's homework load in two years.

According to the regulation, primary school students in grades one and two should not be given written homework, in order to increase time for activities such as sports, reading and arts. Schools should offer after-school interest groups in fields such as science, art and dance.

After-school training institutions will be strictly supervised.

The city's education authorities announced on Aug 17 that no more after-school subject training institutions will be approved for primary and middle school students. They have been popular with parents looking to push their children to improve their performance in particular subjects.

Existing programs can continue as long as they meet standards after review, Beijing Municipal Education Commission spokesman Li Yi told a news conference on Aug 17.

Beijing will continue easing the burden heaped on children in the form of after-school courses offered outside school.

"The training institutions should not use holidays, weekends or vacation time in winter or summer to teach," he said. "Nor should they go public for financing."

Li Yi added that public schools will increase their services to meet demand from students, such as providing after-class services to help with homework or other activities.

Wang Shanshan, the mother of a 6-year-old boy, said she warmly welcomed the new regulation, which had eased "huge" pressure on her.

"I'm glad that my boy has more time for fun, which is what he really needs at his age," she said.

The training institutions have been adjusting to the changes.

Li Liang, vice-president of New Oriental Education and Technology Group and head of Beijing New Oriental School, said the company will strictly follow the nation's policies. As one of the leading K-12 training companies in China, New Oriental, which is headquartered in Beijing's Haidian district, has been providing courses in English and other subjects for decades. Li Liang promised that all students and parents will be able to get tuition refunds.

"We accept our social responsibility to promote innovative education for all-around development and will make our contribution to building a good industrial climate," Li Liang said.