Beyond school hours : student care in Singapore

The typical primary school student spends an average of six hours a day in school. For parents, schools, the government and experts, this window of time is crucial in child development. Policies are implemented, structured curriculums are set up, and parents give their all in ensuring a good education for their children in these crucial years. The media attention on primary school education further emphasises its importance to Singaporeans. Yet, what happens beyond school hours is also deserving of scrutiny. With more working parents unable to supervise their children before and after school, the search for options in custodial care arrangements has intensified. The demand for school-based and community-based student care centres (SCCs) providing care and supervision to school-going children has increased over the last few years. The student care services provide a continuum of care for children where they eat, do school work and engage in enrichment and recreational activities under supervision. For up to six hours a day - the same amount of time children spend in school - SCCs promise a safe and conducive environment for children and peace of mind for working parents. In recognition that demand for student care services outstrips supply, the 2014 Budget address announced the addition of 40 new school-based SCCs to the growing sector. This means that some 2,500 more students would join the existing pool of 7,500 students in SCCs. (See, 2014). Despite the growing importance of the sector, it is one that is often overlooked - largely unregulated by the state, lacking support, and seldom featured by the media. Beyond School Hours is a feature that uncovers the importance of student care in Singapore education. Borne from an eight-month process of research, interviews and writing, it explores the burgeoning sector from multiple perspectives, raising the concerns and issues facing the different stakeholders in the scene. With a demand for more student care services, the feature exposes the business of SCCs as parents and operators fight for a share of the pie, exploring issues like the rise of school-based SCCs and the keen competition in the heartlands. It also sheds light on how student care has evolved in the market through minimal governmental involvement and the diversity of needs it addresses. Finally, the package shows how student care lends a helping hand to children in special circumstances.Bachelor of Communication Studie