Average Utilisation Rates of Full-Day Preschool Places and Repurposing Underutilised Preschool Premises

Dr Hamid Razak asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the average utilisation rate of full-day preschool places in each of the past five years, by planning areas; and (b) whether underutilised preschool premises can be repurposed for complementary services such as student care.

Answer:

             From 2021 to 2025, the national utilisation rate for childcare was between 76% and 79%. While utilisation rate varies islandwide, the median utilisation rate for childcare across Planning Areas from 2021 to 2025 was around 70% to 76%.

2.          Preschools that wish to convert part of their premises for other uses or services outside of their operating hours must first obtain approval from their landlords. Consequent renovation and changes to the size of the premises to be used for early childhood development services will require approval from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). Preschools that decide to cease operations, due to various factors such as low enrolment, may also consider a change of service or return the premises to their landlords.