The decision to close the PCF Sparkletots Child Care Centre at Block 341 in Tampines Street 33 was made after considering several options, including cutting staff costs further. Currently, only 53 per cent of classroom capacity is used. Of the current roll of 50 children, only 23 are in the kindergarten.

Closing this centre is the most reasonable way to safeguard the long-term interests of all the 682 children currently in our care. We have taken every effort to minimise disruption.

We have informed parents three months in advance. Every child in the centre at Block 341 has been allocated a place in two nearby PCF childcare centres. Their parents have been informed.

To defray additional transport costs, a special subsidy of $65 to each child will be given each month. This rebate will cover the entire period of his education with PCF Sparkletots Child Care (Tampines Changkat) until Kindergarten 2.

We had hoped that enrolment at the centre at Block 341 would improve this year, to prevent closure, but it did not. By acting quickly and minimising inconvenience, we hope to improve the situation and enlist the understanding and support of parents. We are pleased to note that we already have the support of the parents of Mr Soh's nephew who have indicated they will sign up their son to continue his education at our centre in Block 273.

With this merger and consolidation of our services, we will be able to continue to offer our children a rich learning experience and a strong foundation for school and life.

With more resources, we can also provide new programmes to our children which parents want. We will also strive to improve the quality of teaching, so we can continue to provide the best possible start in life to children in our care.

Angie Ng (Ms)
Administrator
PCF Tampines Changkat