NTUC CHILDCARE HAIG ROAD |
Overview |
NTUC Childcare began operations as a co-operative on 1 April 1992 having been part of the NTUC since 1977. Today, they are the largest single provider of quality and affordable childcare in Singapore. Currently they have 39 centres, with a total intake of almost 4,000 children. Their centres offer full-day early childhood care and education and an excellent bilingual pre-school programme in English and Mandarin for children from 18 months to 6 years of age.
NTUC Childcare is also a leading training agency in early childhood care and education, providing a range of training courses and workshops for childcare professionals. We also offer consultancy on workplace childcare, customised training and projects in early childhood development and education.
Known for our pioneering and innovative efforts, NTUC Childcare is dedicated and committed to the caring and educating of young children everywhere. At NTUC Childcare, "Every Child Counts". |
Strategy |
Mission |
To be the leader and preferred provider of quality and affordable early childhood care and education services.
The team of caring and professionals will harness the energies and abilities of the children whom they care for and develop them to their fullest potential in a nurturing and stimulating learning environment.
They spent attention and care in delivering value-add services as well to parents and caregivers who send their children for the programmes at NTUC Childcare. For instance, taking into consideration the parents’ busy schedules in their communications, promotional events and activities. Providing a rest area for parents and caregivers whilst waiting for the children. Involving parents and caregivers in events and activities i.e. grandparent’s day. |
Product & Service Mix |
The curriculum has a specific focus on bilingual education and that is very relevant. The centre’s curriculum centres substantially on the Chinese language (tailor to the substantial Chinese national and Chinese educated parents who bring their children to the centre) and that would take good care of the Nation’s plans to strengthen the Chinese language and the parents’ needs. The centre has shown that they have a good mix of Chinese and English teachers to support their curriculum. |
Marketing & Promotions |
There is evidence of marketing in the form of pamphlets, newsletters and flyers. There is a meaningful theme with appropriate focus on education values and materials customized for the right audience (parents and caregivers). Pamphlets and flyers are hand delivered via a outsource vendor and open house conducted annually to invite interested parents/caregivers to the centre to view their offerings. Base on the interview with the ChildCare centre team, they market to potential customers during their exhibition events held in the centre.
The outlet possesses evidences of promotions activities for events conducted. Activities are also tied in with National programmes by MCYS i.e. Grandparents Day and Family week.
Activities cater to family unit and not just limiting to parents but allowing grandparents to be apart.
Activities do tapped on the expertise of some of the parents, creating parental involvement. |
Service Attitude |
Teachers and helpers have shown that they are warm and polite in their greetings and send-offs. They are friendly and approachable to parents and children.
The outlet has flexible arrangements with parents and caregivers i.e. when the children are picked up, if the parents/caregivers are late, teachers will stay until they arrive to pick their children, even though it exceeds the operating hours.
The outlet communicates with parents through a child log book and major activities and other concerns are communicated via that log book. Parents/caregivers exchanged communication via polite letters with teachers. This is a good approach to communicate with parents. |
Nurturing service care |
Believe in providing quality yet affordable childcare services as well as provide thoughtful and friendly services
Extended operating hours to suit working parents. In view of that, NTUC Childcare also works towards meeting the needs of the family by helping to balance worklife. For example, providing work-place centres in the Group.
With customer care programme in place, ensure that all staff provides excellence service to customers. First understanding parents’ needs and trying to help them within their ability. Ensuring the affordability of programmes is one area. Planning and organizing events for parents to interact with their children, i.e. Kids-in-charge and ParentsConnect (PEP) programmes
NTUC ChildCare ensures menus are healthy and exceeding minimum guidelines and requirements. Halal certification has been obtained for Haig Road branch. |
Safety first |
There are signs at all exits. Signs are adequate and appropriately placed in the centre.
There is an emergency call list at the entrance of the outlet and at all bay areas to cater for emergencies. First aid kit is within reach in the centre for teachers and helpers.
The centre is protected by a security system and gates are locked. Only a few necessary staff has access to the keys. Staff are on alert to look out for strangers and a log book is kept at the entrance to monitor entry and exit. Haig Road centre is along the void deck and next to a parking area, it is open and apparent if strangers were to hang around outside the centre or are near the windows. |
Infrastructure |
Access & Layout |
The outlet has spacious aisles within its classrooms and designated children play/learning areas.
Toilets were spacious and there is ample space for baths and adequate space in each cubical for the children’s usage.
There is a designated parents’ corner. There are chairs, rack full of magazines and shoes cabinet shared.
The flooring is made of soft material and is extremely suitable for a childcare environment. Thus, explains the ability for the children to sleep on mattresses on the floor. Furniture and appropriate materials are placed within reach of the children and catered specifically to the children.
There are designated areas for different levels of children to facilitate education and create excitement for the children. Each designated area has its unique design and most possess an educational theme and purpose.
There are small gates to prevent children from leaving the premises and segregating them from visitors at the centre’s entrance. Children are well-educated to keep to their confined areas and not wonder to others. |
Facilities |
The outlet’s classrooms, walkways and toilets are kept clean and dry. A pair of slipper is provided for anyone who uses the toilet. A rug is provided to allow users to dry off their feet after use. Noticed that staff wipe surfaces dry and kept them clean at most times. Children are also educated to wipe dry hands after washing.
Shoes are strictly kept in tagged/designated shoe cabinets and no foot ware is allowed in the centre premises. This is hygienic and keeps the centre clean at all times. |
