Student care centres in Singapore are gaining popularity as they provide a safe and nurturing environment for children after school hours. These centres offer a variety of services such as meals, homework supervision, games, and even tuition.
But what exactly is a student care centre, where can you find one, and how much do they cost?
What is a Student Care Centre?
A Student Care Centre (SCC) is an after-school care service that caters to school-going children, primarily those in the primary to lower secondary levels. These centres aim to provide a conducive environment for students to learn and grow outside of formal school hours. They work closely with school teachers to understand the learning needs of different students and tailor their programmes accordingly.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) announced that by the end of 2020, all primary schools in Singapore will have student care centres. This is a game-changer for parents and students alike!
The Benefits
These centres are not just about providing after-school care. They offer a whole range of services including meals, homework supervision, games, and even tuition. The MOE highlights that these centres provide “important after-school support for students, especially those who do not have a conducive and structured environment after school hours”.
This means that your children will be in a safe and nurturing environment where they can continue learning and growing even after the school bell rings.
Source: Medium
Increasing Availability of Student Care
The number of primary schools with student care centres has grown significantly, from less than 50% four years ago to 70% now. Student enrolment has also seen a massive leap from 3,000 to 15,000. This shows the growing need and appreciation for these centres among the parent community.
Meeting the High Demand
In response to the increasing demand for after-school care services, ballots are conducted at some primary schools. Some centres even have waiting lists! But don’t worry, schools are working tirelessly with operators to expand the capacity of their centres.
Who’s Running These Centres?
You might be wondering who’s behind these centres. They’re mostly run by external parties such as voluntary welfare organisations or commercial operators. This partnership model allows the centres to tap into the resources of these groups, ensuring better development for all pupils, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Locations
These centres are available in both primary schools and community-based locations. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has set up SCCs in primary schools across Singapore. Meanwhile, community-based centres are often found in community clubs or run by private organisations, as suggested by Little Day Out.
Things to Know About
Fees for student centres vary widely depending on the provider and the services included. School-based student care fees typically range from $220 to $350 per month, according to Playfacto School, while private centres may charge between $320 to $500 per month, as discussed on Kiasu Parents.
However, financial assistance is available to families who need it. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) offers a subsidy of up to 98% of fees through the Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) scheme. This subsidy amount depends on the monthly household income, and a one-time Start-Up Grant (SUG) of up to $400 per child is also available.
Affordable Fees for Quality Student Care
Source: Emerging Education Technologies
Most centres charge a monthly fee ranging from $260 to $290, before subsidies. However, pupils from needy families can pay as little as $5 per month after subsidy. This ensures that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality student care.
In conclusion, these kinds of centres in Singapore offer a comprehensive after-school care solution for busy parents. They provide a safe and familiar environment, ensuring that children continue to learn and develop even after school hours.
Are you considering enrolling your child in a student care centre? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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