Singapore Expands Health Initiative for Preschool and Primary Students

An initiative in Singapore aimed at promoting healthy habits among children is set to expand its reach to include preschoolers and more primary school students. Originally launched in January 2025, the Health Plan initiative has successfully targeted Primary 1 to Primary 3 students in mainstream schools. Starting from January 2025, the program will now extend to all Kindergarten 1 (K1), Kindergarten 2 (K2), Primary 4, and Primary 5 students, according to a joint announcement by the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

The initiative provides personalised health plans, which encompass recommendations for lifestyle changes, health screening results, vaccination records, and referrals to public healthcare institutions when necessary. This comprehensive approach aims to instill healthy habits early in life.

Roll-Out in Preschools

By the end of this year, approximately 1,800 preschools are expected to implement the initiative, which was piloted in six preschools, reaching about 840 students. The ministries reported that both parents and preschool operators provided positive feedback, supporting a nationwide rollout for all K1 and K2 children. They emphasized that the preschool years are crucial for shaping long-term health preferences and habits.

According to research, including findings from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes study, early cultivation of healthy behaviours is essential. The phased rollout in preschools will begin in January, with students receiving personalised health plans tailored to their individual interests and habits, based on insights from annual health screenings. Additionally, parents will complete a lifestyle questionnaire to assist in the development of these plans.

To further support healthy habits at home, parents will receive activity sheets designed to engage their children. Preschools will also be provided with a toolkit containing resources to foster healthy behaviours within the school environment.

Expansion in Primary Schools

The initiative’s expansion to Primary 4 and Primary 5 students, announced during the MOE Committee of Supply debate, is set to benefit approximately 80,000 students this year. This extension aims to build on the groundwork laid for encouraging healthy behaviours as students progress through their education.

Furthermore, starting in 2027, schools will utilize the health plans established for Primary 6 students in their earlier schooling years. This will include additional resources for educators to facilitate discussions on lifestyle choices, helping students maintain their healthy habits. The current practices of reinforcing health messages throughout the curriculum will continue, particularly during physical education and character and citizenship education classes.

Since its inception, the Health Plan initiative has positively impacted around 114,000 primary school students, focusing on four key areas: being active, eating healthy, limiting screen time, and ensuring adequate sleep. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of early intervention in fostering lifelong health and well-being among children in Singapore.