First childminding service for babies in a community space launched in Tampines

ECDA eyeing second such set-up in Nee Soon, and is also assessing other spaces

- Theresa Tan

The first significantly subsidised nanny service in a community space opened its doors on March 3, and now has two babies enrolled.

EduNanny by Butler, which occupies a 500 sq ft room at Tampines East Community Club (CC), is part of a pilot government project to give parents more options for infant care.

A spokesperson for the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said it aims to get a second such set-up at Nee Soon East CC ready in the first half of 2025.

It is also assessing other community spaces to offer such services, particularly in locations where demand for infant care is higher.

Having childminding services in such spaces offers parents this option in convenient locations, and allows childminders to offer their services even if their homes are not suitable, the ECDA spokesperson said.

On Dec 1, 2024, ECDA launched a childminding pilot for infants aged two to 18 months.

Under the scheme, nannies either look after the babies in the nannies' homes, or at a communal space such as a CC.

Childminding services are provided in five- or 10-hour blocks between 7am and 7pm from Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays.

Services offered during these time periods are subsidised, costing $16.50 for a five-hour block.

Parents pay $719.40 a month if they use the service full time, or 10 hours a day for five days a week for four weeks, including goods and services tax.

Under the pilot, three operators have been appointed and are responsible for hiring the nannies, or childminders, as ECDA calls them.

They are EduNanny by Butler, Kidibliss and NannyPro Care.