Early childhood agency investigating Cambridge Pre-school park excursion for possible breach of COVID-19 rules

SINGAPORE: The Early Childhood Improvement Company (ECDA) is investigating an tour carried out by Cambridge Pre-school for doable breaches of COVID-19 guidelines.

In response to CNA queries, an ECDA spokesperson mentioned the company was conscious of the pre-school's tour to Pasir Ris Park on Thursday (Mar 18).

"We are currently looking into whether the pre-school had adhered to the (safe management measures)," mentioned the spokesperson on Saturday.

"If lapses are found, ECDA will take action against the pre-school and also work with them to ensure that future activities adhere to the prevailing (safe management measures)."

ECDA's assertion adopted a Straits Occasions report on the tour, which mentioned that the outing appeared to include greater than 40 youngsters and lecturers.

The group reportedly had three picnic mats, with greater than eight youngsters on every mat.

Responding on Sunday to CNA's queries, Cambridge Pre-school mentioned the photograph within the Straits Occasions report was "taken from a distance and the angle seems to suggest a crowded sitting arrangement".

"In fact, the children were split into small groups, with safe distancing between the groups. The park was also not crowded and the team chose an area with ample space," the college mentioned.

Cambridge Pre-school additionally mentioned that opposite to the report, greater than three mats have been used and the youngsters have been divided into 18 small teams.

A spokesperson added that the college has "photos to substantiate our claims" however wouldn't launch them to guard the privateness of kids and employees.

READ: COVID-19 – Some pre-schools to proceed coverage of masks or face shields for kids below 6 even after rule change

In its assertion, ECDA mentioned pre-schools have been allowed to renew extra actions since Jan 1 in step with Singapore's Part 3 reopening.

Actions carried out at exterior venues, akin to subject journeys and studying journeys, are allowed with protected administration measures.

Pre-schools should make sure that the general group dimension is capped at 50 individuals, together with youngsters and adults. Youngsters have to be divided into smaller teams of as much as eight, excluding lecturers and employees. They need to stay of their respective cohorts in the course of the actions, and there have to be protected distancing between the teams.

Pre-schools have additionally been suggested to make sure minimal intermingling between youngsters and members of the general public when conducting actions at exterior venues, mentioned ECDA.

"Children should not be brought to crowded public spaces, which have high traffic or crowds, as far as possible. Overnight camps remain suspended," mentioned the spokesperson.

The Nationwide Parks Board has allowed colleges and pre-schools to conduct studying journeys and out of doors actions within the areas that it manages since Part 2 of Singapore's reopening in June final yr, added the spokesperson.

Established in 1993, Cambridge Pre-school has 9 pre-schools in Singapore. It additionally has pre-schools in Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines.