Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC
Question
To ask the Minister for Education (a) what is the number of MOE Kindergarten (MK) places that are presently available in primary schools; (b) how has been the take-up rate and whether there are enough places to meet current demand; (c) whether the current expansion plans are sufficient to meet future demand; and (d) whether there is a need to expedite plans to build more MK centres.
Response
1. Today, MOE runs 24 MKs. The capacity for K1 intake for 2019 is around 2,700. Demand for MKs has been healthy, with about 85% of places taken up across all centres. The number of MKs will increase to around 50 by 2023.
2. MOE will continue to work closely with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to monitor demand patterns across geographical regions, and ensure that there is an adequate supply of quality and affordable preschool services, through MKs, Anchor Operators and Partner Operators.