Selection Criteria

 
Allocation of premises to applicant bodies is on a competitive basis. The basic principle for allocation of KG premises is to select applicant bodies to provide quality education for KG students. The applicant body must have good organisation structure, proper management and sound financial footing; and is willing to collaborate with the Education Bureau (EDB) to implement education policies and initiatives.

To cater for the actual situation of KGs and reduce applicant bodies’ administrative work, EDB has adopted a streamlined mechanism starting from 2021 for assessing applications for nomination of suitable operators for KG premises. In light of the decline in KG student population, the existing KGs joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme (Scheme-KGs) are able to provide sufficient places to meet the demand. However, there are differences in the demand and supply of KG places and parents’ preferences in various districts. Besides, under the quality KG education policy, EDB endeavours to look for suitable sites for KGs in need. KGs, especially those facing high rental expenses, dilapidated school environment and facilities, surplus of KG places in the district are encouraged to apply for the above KG premises for relocation. EDB will accord priority to Scheme-KGs applying for relocation. Applications for operating new KGs would only be considered if no suitable applicants are found for relocation.

EDB will assess each application based on the criteria set by the School Allocation Committee (SAC) for selecting suitable applicant bodies. The KG to be operated needs to fulfil basic criteria, including offering a full local curriculum, free half-day programme in principle (except under special circumstance that charging school fee is required) and school fees of whole-day programme at low level, etc.

Quality of education is the prime consideration in selecting the suitable applicant bodies. EDB will take into account the operation plan of the applicant bodies, track record of the KGs and their needs for relocation (if applicable). For applications for operating a new KG, overall track record of all schools under the applicant body are considered. For applications for relocation, the overall condition of the existing KG such as rental issue, the current physical condition and facilities, the supply and demand for KG places in the district where the KG is located and the school’s preparation of relocation plan, etc.   When reviewing the track record of the applicant body, EDB mainly considers three aspects including School Administration and Management, Caring and Support for Children and Parents, and Learning and Teaching. Details are as follows: