Debated in Parliament on 8 Apr 2025.
Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has been consulted on any plan for the relocation of The Schoolhouse that is currently sited at the premises of The Grassroots’ Club in Ang Mo Kio; (b) if so, whether the timelines for such relocation comply with the ECDA Code of Practice; and (c) whether ECDA has any plan to support affected children, teachers and parents.
The Code of Practice under the Early Childhood Development Centres Act requires preschool operators to provide at least six months' written notice to parents and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) before they relocate or cease operations. This allows parents sufficient time to make alternative arrangements for their children. Preschools that breach this requirement may face regulatory actions.
In June 2024, The Schoolhouse informed ECDA of The Grassroots' Club centre's cessation and relocation plans. The Schoolhouse officially informed parents on 17 September 2024 of its planned cessation of operations on 31 December 2025. These notices complied with the timelines specified in the Code of Practice.
In February 2025, The Schoolhouse sought parents' views on the preschool ceasing operations earlier in May 2025 and offered options for their children to be transferred to another of its preschool branches. When this proposal was brought to ECDA's attention, ECDA had reminded the operator of the requirement to provide six months' notice. The Schoolhouse has since maintained its original cessation date of 31 December 2025.
The Schoolhouse has been engaging parents on alternative care and education arrangements and is managing affected staff at the current Grassroots' Club branch, while maintaining adequate staffing of both current and new branches to ensure continuity of care and education. ECDA will also continue to monitor the situation to ensure the orderly transition of operations.
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