Eligibility of Preschools Run by Religious Organisations to Be Appointed as Anchor or Partner Operators

Ms Elysa Chen asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether preschools run by religious organisations are eligible for appointment as Anchor or Partner Operators; and (b) if not, what are the reasons for excluding them.

Answer:

             All preschools, including those run by religious organisations, are eligible to join the Government-supported network provided that they meet the conditions of the scheme. For example, Government-funded preschool services must deliver a secular curriculum during programme hours and must be accessible to all families regardless of language, race or religion, and public funds should not go towards religious instruction.