The Government has announced a sweeping change to early childhood education regulations, banning nursery schools and kindergartens from operating daycare centres under the newly introduced Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Policy.According to officials, the policy seeks to clearly separate early learning institutions from childcare services, with the aim of improving standards, accountability, and child welfare. Under the new rules, pre-schools will now be limited strictly to educational activities and will no longer be permitted to offer extended daycare services.Instead, the operation of daycare centres will be reserved for corporate organisations and workplaces. Entities such as companies, markets, workshops, and shopping malls will be allowed to establish daycare facilities specifically for the children of their employees or workers.Government representatives say the move is intended to ensure that daycare services are better aligned with workplace needs, while also allowing for more targeted regulation of childcare environments. “This policy is about creating safer, more structured spaces for children, while also supporting working parents,” an official familiar with the policy explained.However, the directive has sparked mixed reactions among parents and education stakeholders. Many families have traditionally relied on nursery schools for both early education and full-day childcare, raising concerns about accessibility and affordability under the new system.Operators of private nursery schools have also expressed uncertainty about the transition, noting that daycare services have been a key part of their offerings. Some warn that the change could disrupt established childcare arrangements and place additional pressure on working parents, particularly in urban areas.On the other hand, supporters of the policy argue that separating daycare from education could lead to improved quality in both sectors, as each will be regulated according to its specific role.The Government has indicated that implementation guidelines and timelines will be communicated in the coming months, alongside measures to support affected institutions and families during the transition.As the policy takes shape, its impact on early childhood care, employment structures, and family life is expected to be closely watched.The post Nursery Schools Barred from Operating Daycare Centres Under New ECCE Policy appeared first on The Insider.