More student-care centres in schools

SIX more primary schools will be home to student-care centres by the end of next year as teachers and parents warm to the idea of in-house before- and after-school programmes.

Principals say the set-up allows instructors to align the centre's programmes with the school curriculum. It also eliminates the need for students to travel before and after class.

While school officials have broached the idea of holding extra-curricular classes in the school grounds before, many have not had the space.

But a planned move to single-session schools, scheduled to begin next year, would help free up rooms for student- care centres, say educators.

The trend would mark a departure from the predominant model for these programmes: More than 90 per cent are now based in community centres and HDB estates.

Demand for the classes is strong. Private education provider Cambridge Resources Singapore plans to open six student-care centres in schools such as Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary by the end of next year.

Cambridge Resources Singapore director Joanne Fernandez-Tang said the company aims to open 14 such centres by 2012.

'Parents might be worried when their children have to travel to (outside) centres,' she said. 'More also want enrichment programmes which some centres are not able to provide as they don't have trained teachers.'

Sembawang Primary is one of the few schools here with a student-care centre.

Principal Albert Alfred Alcantara said it gives the school more say in what is taught after hours. Teachers can also work together with the centre to cater to the learning needs of each child.

At the centre, which was set up in December last year, each pupil pays about $290 a month for a place in the programme, but government subsidies can lower that amount to as little as $157. Other centres outside schools charge around $250.

Eight National Institute of Education - trained teachers coach the pupils in their school work and conduct enrichment lessons which foster team work and problem-solving skills. Time is also allocated for meals, naps and games.

Pupils in the school's afternoon session can be dropped off at the centre at 7.30am and will be kept busy until their classes start at 1pm. Those in the morning session can go to the centre after class and stay there until fetched by their parents around 7pm.

Technical supervisor Lim Mui Eng, 38, has two children who attend the programme.

'I like the centre in the school better because the teachers know what areas my children are weak in, as they communicate frequently with their school's teachers,' she said.

'Because of this, I have seen that their grades have improved a lot.'

MacPherson Primary also has a student-care centre, which is operated by the Singapore Buddhist Lodge. Principal Rosintha Mohamad Said said parents can spend more time bonding and playing with their children because pupils have already done their homework.

The model is gaining traction with educators, though for now, many schools are facing space constraints.

During a gathering of principals two weeks ago, some said a plan to move towards single-session schools would free up rooms for in-house programmes.

Currently, only about 10 per cent of the 342 student-care centres are found in schools.

Most are run by private companies and voluntary welfare organisations.