Role for Student Care Centres in Overall Education System

Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Social and Family Development what role does the Ministry envisage for Student Care Centres (SCCs) to play as part of the overall education system in Singapore as an increasing number of students are enrolled in SCCs.

Student Care Centres (SCCs) provide a supervised, safe and conducive environment for children and youths aged seven to 14 as an option for after-school care. There are school-based SCCs and community-based SCCs to meet the different needs of families.

SCCs do not provide formal education. They provide parents with an alternative to home-based care. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) requires all SCCs, including school-based SCCs, that are registered to have a structured programme with homework supervision and meal provision.

On top of these requirements, SCC operators may choose to provide additional programmes. The Ministry of Education also regularly engages operators of school-based SCCs on their programmes offered to provide weekly outdoor programmes and enrichment activities, such as reading, music and art.