Hong Kong after-school care expands but access gaps remain

Hong Kong’s after-school care scheme has rapidly expanded since the government lifted its quota cap in the 2025 policy address, offering 10,500 places to low-income families—up from 2,915 in the previous academic year. However, staffing shortages at some centres mean not all eligible households can benefit, leaving working parents caught between caregiving and employment.

Expansion from pilot to mainstream

The School-based After School Care Service Scheme began as a pilot in September 2023, operating in 59 primary schools. By June 2026, it had grown to more than 200 schools after the government removed the per-school quota cap, allowing operators to scale up. The initiative is funded through the Community Care Fund, with primary schools providing premises and approved non-governmental organisations (NGOs) managing daily operations.

St James’ Settlement, one of the participating NGOs, partnered with six schools in the pilot year and has since expanded to ten. The organisation reports that while the quota removal has enabled greater capacity, demand continues to outstrip supply in certain districts.

Staffing constraints pose challenge

Despite the increase in places, manpower shortages at some centres have prevented operators from filling all available slots. The scheme relies on trained staff, including social workers and activity coordinators, and NGOs have struggled to recruit enough personnel to match the rapid expansion. Some centres have reported being unable to fully utilise their capacity due to a lack of qualified workers, meaning eligible families are turned away.

Operators are now actively recruiting additional staff to keep pace with demand. The government has acknowledged the issue and is exploring measures to boost the workforce, though no specific timeline has been announced.

Impact on working mothers

For some mothers, the scheme has been transformative. Several women who had been full-time caregivers for years said the after-school care programme allowed them to return to work, easing financial pressure on their families. The low-cost service covers the critical after-school hours when parents are still at work, providing a safe environment and educational activities for children.

Yet the inconsistent availability of places has created anxiety. Mothers in areas with fewer participating schools or insufficient staff have struggled to secure a spot, forcing them to continue as primary carers or turn to more expensive private options.

Looking ahead

The expansion marks a significant policy shift in Hong Kong’s childcare landscape, but sustainability depends on resolving workforce gaps. The government is expected to review the scheme’s operational challenges in the coming months, with potential measures including enhanced training subsidies or changes to staffing ratios. For now, the programme’s success remains uneven, offering hope to some families while leaving others waiting for their turn.