Debated in Parliament on 5 Mar 2024.
Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Minister for Education (a) over the last five years, what is the annual number of students placed in the Time Out Programme; (b) what is the main reason for their disengagement from schools; (c) whether the programme is effective in addressing students' disengagement; and (d) what are the adjustments to the programme to provide customised support to the students and their families.
Secondary schools organised the Time Out Programmes to strengthen sense of belonging to school, improve student attendance, and raise at-risk students' confidence in learning.
Disengaged students face various challenges, including challenging family circumstances, negative peer influence and lack of direction.
MOE ceased the Time Out Programme in 2019 to rechannel the resources for schools to provide support for a broader spectrum of at-risk students, including those who are disengaged. For example, schools have after-school programmes, which focus on befriending and mentoring, strengthening peer relationships and self-management skills and interest-based activities, to strengthen students' connection to their schools. MOE has also deployed Student Welfare Officers (SWOs) in schools to engage students with irregular school attendance and to work with parents and school staff to reintegrate these students back to school.
Beyond school-based support, schools also work with community partners, such as the Social Service Offices or Family Service Centres to address issues that the student may be facing at home.
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