First Kindergarten Premises Allocation Exercise 2021 invites applications for four kindergarten premises
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The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (July 16) that four kindergarten premises are open for application by eligible applicant bodies under the First Kindergarten Premises Allocation Exercise 2021 (Exercise). Details of the four kindergarten premises are set out in the Annex.
"The four kindergarten premises include three new estate kindergarten premises, each with six to eight classrooms, located in North District and is/to be available in 2021; and one existing kindergarten premises with six classrooms under The Link Properties Limited (The Link), located in Sai Kung District. The EDB is entrusted by the Hong Kong Housing Authority and The Link to nominate operators for the kindergarten premises. The Exercise will be carried out on a competitive basis," a spokesman for the EDB said.
"The EDB has sought the views of various stakeholders on allocation of kindergarten premises in 2020. Taking into account the views from the kindergarten sector and the actual situation of kindergartens with a view to reducing applicant bodies’ administrative work, the EDB has decided to adopt a streamlined mechanism starting from 2021 for assessing applications for nomination of suitable operators for kindergarten premises,” the spokesman said.
In light of the decline in kindergarten student population, the existing kindergartens 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 kindergarten places and parents’ preferences in various districts. Besides, under the quality kindergarten education policy, the EDB endeavours to look for suitable sites for kindergartens in need. Kindergartens, especially those facing high rental expenses, dilapidated school environment and facilities, surplus of kindergarten places in the district, are encouraged to apply for the above-mentioned kindergarten premises for relocation. The EDB will accord priority to Scheme-KGs applying for relocation. Applications for operating new kindergartens would only be considered if no suitable applicants are found for relocation.
The EDB will assess each application based on the criteria endorsed by the School Allocation Committee (SAC) for selecting suitable applicant bodies. The EDB will provide a template for preparation of the operation plan and will set out the selection criteria endorsed by the SAC in the “Points to Note” for applicant bodies’ reference. In short,
quality of education is the prime consideration. The EDB will take into account the operation plan of the applicant bodies, track record of the kindergartens and their needs for relocation (if applicable). The EDB will regularly report to the SAC the results of the kindergarten premises allocation exercises.
The spokesman added, “The EDB launched a two-year pilot scheme on relocation grant for kindergartens in August 2020 (for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 school years) to alleviate kindergartens’ financial burden in improving the school environment. Each successful applicant will receive a grant of $1.5 million. For details, please refer to EDB Circular Memorandum No. 127/2020.”
Applicant bodies should complete the Application Form and Information on Operation Plan and submit them together with the relevant supporting documents and a list of operating schools run by the applicant body, if any. When submitting the application, the applicant body should be exempted from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance, and be:
(1) Incorporated / will be incorporated under the Companies Ordinance (the successful applicant body would be required to ensure that its articles of association contain all the standard clauses and articles required for allocation of a school premises); or (2) incorporated under other ordinances, with its constitution satisfying the Permanent
Secretary for Education as being fit to be considered for allocation of a school premises.
The Application Form, Information on Operation Plan, Points to Note for the First Kindergarten Premises Allocation Exercise 2021 and other reference materials can be downloaded from the EDB homepage at https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu- system/preprimary-kindergarten/allocation-of-kg/latest-news.html).
The duly completed Application Form, Information on Operation Plan, list of operating schools run by the applicant body (if any) and supporting documents should reach the Kindergarten Education Division of the EDB (Room 1432, 14/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong) by 5pm on September 3, 2021. Late applications will not be accepted.
End/ Friday, July 16, 2021
Annex First Kindergarten Premises Allocation Exercise 2021 – Information on Premises Kindergarten Premises under Hong Kong Housing Authority
Item No. District Location No. of Classrooms (CR) /
Approximate Internal Floor Area
Availability
KG1 (Note 1)
North Level 2
Ancillary Facility Building Po Shek Wu Estate
CR: 6 600 m2
Readily Available
KG2 North Ground Floor Wong Wui House Queens Hill Estate
CR: 8 799 m2 (with 189 m2 outdoor area)
July 2021 (tentative)
KG3 North Podium Floor Wong Shun House Queens Hill Estate
CR: 8 958 m2
August 2021 (tentative)
Note 1: According to the information provided by Housing Department, windows in some classrooms of this kindergarten premises have to be closed in order to fulfil noise requirement from Environmental Protection Department. Housing Department would provide allen key locks to kindergarten for opening /closing these windows when necessary. Projected light shelves (both indoor and outdoor) are installed at some windows in the kindergarten premises. Besides, noise barriers will be erected in front of the flat roof outside the kindergarten. Staff from Housing Department may need to enter the kindergarten for maintenance. For enquiry, please call Housing Department at 2677 2002.
Existing Kindergarten Premises under The Link Properties Limited
Item No. District Location No. of
Classrooms / Approximate Internal Floor Area
Availability
KG4 (Note 2)
Sai Kung
Ground Floor Carpark Building Yan Ming Court Tseung Kwan O New Territories
CR: 6 552 m2
Readily Available
Note 2:
(a) The Link may arrange site visit for the SSBs/operators interested in applying for this kindergarten premises. They may contact Mr. Wong at 2175 1763 or Mr.
Cheung at 2175 1389 for the arrangement.
(b) The EDB will provide a one-off Special Renovation Subsidy at the ceiling of
$300,000 on reimbursement basis for the successful SSB/operator allocated to this kindergarten premises for providing sanitary facilities as suitable for children.
This grant will not affect the kindergarten’s eligibility to apply for the $1.5 million Relocation Grant. However, under the principle of “no double benefits”, kindergarten eligible for other Government subsidies or other public resources (such as Lotteries Fund) to conduct renovation works is not eligible for the above- mentioned subsidy.
