Student care centres & kindergarten care centres to remain open even if schools close due to haze: MOE

Student Care Centres (SCCs) and Kindergarten Care (KCare) Centres will remain open even if schools close due to the haze, according to a notice sent to parents on Oct. 10 through the Parents Gateway platform.

According to a screenshot of the notice provided by a Mothership reader, it outlined enhanced haze mitigation measures for schools and educational institutions.

The notice was apparently sent to parents of secondary school students.

What happens when the PSI exceeds 200?

When the 24-hour PSI enters the "Very Unhealthy" range of 201 to 300, lessons will continue in well-ventilated enclosed spaces with air purifiers switched on.

Schools will also:

• Avoid outdoor activities and strenuous indoor physical activities;
• Minimise after-school activities; and
• Ensure students eat indoors during recess.

Teachers will also keep an eye out for students who are unwell or have pre-existing lung or heart conditions, and medical attention will be provided if necessary.

Arrangements have also been made for students to take their examinations in enclosed spaces such as classrooms or halls, where air purifiers will be provided.

Those who are unwell and unable to sit for their exams can apply for Special Consideration through their schools.

More information can be found here.

What happens when the PSI exceeds 300?

The Ministry of Education (MOE) would also consider closing MOE Kindergartens, Primary, Secondary and SPED Schools if the next day’s PSI forecast enters the "Hazardous range", which is above 300.

Junior Colleges (JC), Centralised Institute and the JC sections of IP Schools will remain open with enhanced haze mitigation measures.

Any decision to close schools will be announced around 8pm the day before, through schools and MOE's official channels.

SCCs and KCare centres will operate from 7am to 7pm during the closure.

Affected students will switch to home-based learning, while MOE Kindergartens will provide home-based activities for parents and caregivers to do with their children.

Examinations affected by the closure will be rescheduled, and the rescheduling will be announced together with the closure.

"We will monitor the situation and provide updates as needed," the notice read.

"Please check Parents Gateway regularly or contact the school's General Office directly. Thank you for working with MOE to safeguard our students' well-being and continued learning."

Education Minister Desmond Lee said earlier on Saturday that he understood many parents were concerned about the haze, especially those with children who have medical conditions or are sitting for national examinations.

"I assure you that the health and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority," he said.

As of 3pm on Oct. 11, the 24-hour PSI reading sits in the "Unhealthy" range.

The west and central regions recorded the highest readings, at 153 and 148 respectively.