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Hong Kong expands after-school care, but some families still face limits
The School-based After School Care Service Scheme scaled from 59 pilot schools in September 2023 to more than 200 by June, offering 10,500 places for low-income families after a 2025 quota cap removal.
Hong Kong’s school-based after-school care scheme is expanding quickly after the government removed its quota cap, but some families say access remains uneven, according to SCMP Economy. The programme was launched in 59 schools in September 2023 and grew to more than 200 by June, with 10,500 places made available for low-income families after the quota cap was lifted in the 2025 policy address.
In the 2023-24 academic year, participating schools offered 2,915 places, with each institution setting its own place quota. Under the scheme, the government provides funding through the Community Care Fund, primary schools supply the premises, and approved non-governmental organizations run daily operations.
Some parents reported that the programme helped them return to work after years of full-time caregiving, SCMP Economy said. However, manpower constraints at some centres have limited access for not all eligible families.
St James’ Settlement is one operator involved in the scheme, SCMP Economy reported. It partnered with six primary schools in the pilot year and has since expanded to 10.