Update on Number of Infant Care and Childcare Places as at End-2024

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the latest available number of infant and childcare places; and (b) what is the current ratio of infant and childcare places to resident children below seven years old, as broken down by planning areas.

Answer

1          As at end-2024, there were around 16,000 infant care places, out of which around 70% were taken up. As at end-2024, there were around 200,000 childcare places, out of which around 77% were taken up. While utilisation rates vary across Planning Areas, the median utilisation rates for infant care and childcare are 69% and 74% respectively. Utilisation rates for all Planning Areas are below 90%, for both infant care and childcare.