Debated in Parliament on 22 Nov 2023.
Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether instructors engaged by Government schools and agencies will be held to the Singapore Sports School's updated safety policies and protocols; and (b) if so, what steps will the Ministry take to (i) ensure such instructors know the expectations and obligations, (ii) guide a fair division of responsibilities and liabilities between main and sub-vendors, (iii) assist freelance instructors to address the cost of liability coverage and (iv) ensure organisers take ownership and accountability for safety protocols when engaging contractors.
The Ministry of Education has safety policies and processes in place to guide schools to conduct co-curricular activities safely. The Singapore Sports School (SSP) is a Specialised Independent School that focuses on developing aspiring national athletes in pursuit of their sporting and academic aspirations. Its safety policies and procedures are, therefore, tailored to the specific context and needs of the student-athletes in SSP.
SSP is working with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth on a thorough review of the school's safety policies and protocols, to identify areas for further improvement, as detailed in my reply to Parliamentary Question No 59 on 6 November 2023. [Please refer to "Review Procedures at Singapore Sports School to Protect Safety and Well-being of Students", Official Report, 6 November 2023, Vol 95, Issue 115, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]
SSP aims to complete the review by the end of the year but will also progressively implement any improvements when ready. Any changes in SSP's safety policies and processes will be communicated to SSP's internal and external stakeholders, including its employed coaches, staff and vendors.
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