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 the 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. Moreover, 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 environments and facilities, and a 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 grants 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 the EDB Circular Memorandum No. 127/2020."

     Applicant bodies should complete the application form and information on the 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 the 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 www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/preprimary-kindergarten/allocation-of-kg/latest-news.html.
 
     The duly completed application form, information on the 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, Wan Chai, Hong Kong) by 5pm on September 3, 2021. Late applications will not be accepted.

Ends/Friday, July 16, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:29

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