Student Care Centres in Singapore

The student care centre landscape infographic above is designed to provide an overview about the different student care brands that can be found across Singapore. The infographics above covers the following information such as

• Types of student care centre in Singapore
• Difference between school based and community based student care centres 
• The different staff that is needed in a child care centre 
• The best student care centres that can be found in Singapore 
• 9 things to look out for when selecting a student care centre    

1. Types of student care centres in Singapore. 

The two main types of student care centres that are available would be the school based student care centre and the community based student care centre. 

School based student care centres typically follow the format of the school values and the framework that has been created by MOE.Therefore, school based student care centres primarily focuses more on school related curriculum such as spelling and homework supervision so that your child will get the right amount  of support needed. 

Community based student care centres  provide more flexibility in their curriculum. By imparting a mix of values and life skills to your child and fostering creativity amongst your child by getting them to participate in weekly crafts and other challenging activities to help them develop their problem solving skills. Besides providing further enrichment programmes to supplement your child’s current learning progress, Community based student centres also provide your child with a conducive environment when they will be allowed to rest and unwind after a long day of work. 

2. Difference between school based and community based student care centres  

There are various differences between school based student care centres and community based centres. Some of the biggest differences includes:

1. Location
   School based student care centres tend to be located within the school premises which makes it more convenient for students to proceed to the student care centre after school hours. Community based student care centres are located across multiple venues in Singapore. Most of the community based centres are located within shopping malls and community centres, which can be found closer to homes. Furthermore, some of the community based student care centres provide complimentary bus services where your child will be comfortably transported to the child care centre.
2. Curriculum
   School based student care centres partner up with various primary schools in Singapore and their programmes typically complement the school’s vision, mission and goals which further supports the school in developing strong character values, competencies and mindset in your child. Mentors assigned to your child will be responsible for overseeing their homework progress and the overall character development of your child in the student care centre. Community based student care centres have more flexibility in their curriculum. Beyond homework and spelling supervision, teachers are also able to guide students carefully and identify areas which they are weaker in and provide them with the necessary support. Aside from nurturing the child academically, community based student care centres also provide a mix of enrichment programmes so that your child will be able to relax and unwind after a long day in school.
3. Teacher to student ratio
   In school based student care centers, teacher to student ratio is typically high, with one mentor to 25 different students.While Community based student care centres have a lower teacher to student ratio, this means that your child will be given greater support from the centre. Teachers working at the centre will be able to pinpoint areas where your child is lacking and provide them with the necessary guidance so that they will be able to catch up with their peers.
4. Meals
   In school based student care centres, usually students will rely on canteen vendors or catering companies for meals.Community based student care centres usually have a wide variety of options in their meal offering. Beside catering company, some community based student care centres also have their own in house kitchen which allows children to have meals on time.
5. Cost
   The fees for school based student care centres are generally lower as compared to community based student care centres. This helps to ensure that student care will remain affordable for most families. School based student care centres also have offer financial assistance scheme so that there will be more subsidies for families who require further financial support.Community based student care centres are more expensive than school based student as community based student care centres provide more value for your children. Some of the value added services includes programmes such as holiday camp and extra enrichment programmes catered to meet the specific needs of your child.

 3. Best student care centres in Singapore 

Based on our research, here are the best and most popular student care centres in Singapore. Please click on the link to contact and arrange a school tour with the respective schools.

1. PlayFacto. Established since 2015, Play Facto is a premium education centre that focuses on providing student care services and children enrichment programmes for your child.  One of PlayFacto’s unique school experience is based on their philosophy of “Engage, play and learn”. PlayFacto strongly believes in helping every child reach their full potential through meaningful engagement by creating a fun learning environment for your little ones. Read more about PlayFacto here.
2. Out of Box Academy. Out of Box Academy is committed to educational excellence that begins with their team of educators. Out of Box Academy teachers bring a wealth of teaching experience to the classroom backed by their degrees or past experience as MOE teachers. The academy also understands the importance of providing personalised attention and tailored support, so that the child will be able to thrive academically. Read more about Out of Box Academy here .
3. NASCANS. Established in 2006, NASCANS is a leading student care and kindergarten brand with more than 25 different locations in partner MOEschools and residential communities. For their school based centres, NASCANS programmes are closely aligned with MOE 21st century competencies model while their community based programmes are designed with value added services for your child so that the centre can further enhance students academic performance in school. Read more about NASCANS here.
4. Big Heart Student Care. Established in 2015, Big Heart student care started off with 30 school based student care centres that are designed to meet the different needs of the students, especially children from a less privileged background. Big Heart’s holistic weekly programmes incorporates value based learning and focuses on virtues which play an important role in character building. Read here  to find out more about Big Heart Student Care and its services offered.
5. Mindspace. MindSpace student care is created by MindChamps. Their proprietary research backed curriculum is designed to maximise your child’s after school hours with subject based enrichment classes that will strengthen your child’s academic performance in school. Subject based subjects are typically conducted by accredited specialist subject coaches who have had rich experience teaching the particular subject. Read here to find out more about MindSpace and the types of services offered.
6. Commit Learning Schoolhouse. Commit Learning Schoolhouse was first established in 2013 and Commit Learning Schoolhouse is one of Singapore’s leading student care centre provider. Commit Learning Schoolhouse is known for providing quality student care services. Commit Learning Schoolhouse developed their curriculum and programme based on MOE mission and values, besides homework supervision there are daily outdoor activities to keep lessons engaging and enriching for students. Read more here .
7. Canopy Student Care Centre. Since 2018, Canopy Student Care Centre has served more than 100 families living in the Tiong Bahru and Redhill district. Canopy Student Care Centre also provides a wide range of childcare services ranging from academic support to social emotional development. Your child will be well looked after by the well trained staff at Canopy Student Care Centre. Read more here.
8. Edventure Learning Academy. Edventure Learning Academy previously known as Edventure Cove which was founded in 2016 was started by a group of experienced and passionate educators who are parents themselves. Therefore the founders of Edventure Learning Academy understand the importance of providing quality care for children. The Edventure Learning Academy also focuses on providing a learning environment that your child will be able to learn play and grow beyond their home and school. Read more here.
9. In:genious by NASCANS. In:genious by NASCANS is the community based student care centre brand under NASCANS, which is one of Singapore’s leading operator of student care centres in MOE primary schools. At In:genious, the centre is committed to nurturing young minds and unlocking the genius within. Furthermore In:genious student care programme has been voted best Student Care programme for consecutive years. Read more here
10. Pro-teach. Pro-teach was first established in 1998 specialising in tuition and student care services for children aged between 7-14 years old. Pro-teach has more than 30 centres islandwide catered to meet the needs of 10,000 families. Read more here about Pro-teach and the services offered. 

 4. Nine things to look out for in Student Care in Singapore 

1. Consider the options. There are two main types of student care centres that are available for parents in Singapore which are the school based and community based student care centres. Therefore parents should keep their options open so that they can choose the type of student care centre that will best suit their needs.
2. Alignment of values. It is important to choose a student care centre that shares the same belief as you. As parents, we have our own set of unique beliefs of what works and therefore it is important to choose a student care centre that has the same set of beliefs so that the child will be able to benefit.
3. Getting to the centre. The most important factor should be choosing a child care centre that provides the most convenience to parents.It is important for parents to choose a child care centre that is located near their house or a centre that provides free transport so that your child will be able to get home in a safe and comfortable manner.
4. Align your schedule. Student care centres are meant to serve the needs of working parents. Standard operating hours of the student care centre is from 7.30am to 7.30pm, while the operating hours changing on certain days. Therefore it is important to ensure that your schedule will match with the operating hours of the student care centres.
5. Ask, search and evaluate. It is good for parents to conduct some research or look for word of mouth reviews to be able to gain more insights about the student care centre, allowing you to know more about the types of programmes covered.
6. Value added services. Apart from the standard homework supervision, different student care centres in Singapore will offer different enrichment programmes. Some centres may offer programmes such as holiday camps or math enrichment programmes.
7. Screen the team. A good student care teacher plays the important role of providing emotional and mental support. As your child goes through primary school, they will be exposed to various physical and emotional changes. Therefore it is important to have a team of teachers who will provide the necessary support for your child.
8. Tour the facility. It is important for you to take a glimpse into the environment that your child will be studying in. The environment plays an important role in affecting your child morale, therefore choosing an environment where is most conducive for your child is extremely important
9. Develop a partnership. Choosing a student care centre is never a one-off tour and registration. It is a partnership over a good six years or more.  For children, it will help them to understand and appreciate their afternoons spent at the student care centre.