Knowledge Exchange - Hong Kong Education Bureau

On 30 July, Little Olive Tree @ Ang Mo Kio welcomed a team from the Hong Kong Education Bureau — two educational psychologists and an inspector currently working on a School-based Teacher Development Project aimed at enhancing teachers’ ability to support young children’s social-emotional growth and positive behaviour.

Their visit to LOT was part of an international learning exchange, focused on understanding how inclusive education can be meaningfully integrated into daily classroom life.

What They Came to See

The team came with a particular interest in our approach to:

• Inclusive practices

• The LOT Curriculum

• Our framework for social-emotional development, especially through the Easel Approach adopted in some centres

The visit began with a presentation by our Principal, Ms. Cai Yinshuang, who shared how the LOT Curriculum is designed to embrace all learners, including those with additional needs. She also introduced our Educational Support Programme, which provides early intervention and targeted support to help every child thrive.

This sparked an enriching dialogue about Singapore’s Preschool Frameworks (EYDF and NEL), and how principles like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) are being brought to life in LOT classrooms. The discussion highlighted a key message: inclusion is not a programme — it’s a culture, woven into everything from learning environments to teacher collaboration and peer support.

As our Executive Director, Lim Ee Tuo, shared, “It takes a village to raise a child — and a child to transform the village.”

Seeing Inclusion in Action

During the school tour, the visitors observed our learning spaces — thoughtfully set up to reflect UDL principles. These environments are co-created by teachers and children, ensuring that all learners are seen, heard, and supported. From classroom routines to peer interactions, the core values of Care and Respect were clearly evident.

The Hong Kong team was especially moved by a short video featuring a child with visual impairment — a beautiful illustration of how, with intentional support and a loving community, every child can grow in confidence, contribute meaningfully, and inspire those around them.

Words from the Visitors

“We were particularly impressed by your school’s commitment to learning diversity and the embrace of inclusive education values. The video of the child with visual impairment stood out — it powerfully showed how each child is truly and equally valued. With dedicated adults walking alongside them, every child can achieve great things and make a positive impact on others.”

Reflections and Moving Forward

For us at Little Olive Tree, this visit was more than just a showcase — it was a mutual encouragement. As Principal reflected:

“Whenever I host visitors, I’m reminded of how blessed I am to work with such a committed team. Our inclusive practices are made real by our teachers, who pour heart and effort into creating spaces where every child belongs. And it’s always a joy to share ideas with fellow educators — because that’s how we grow, together.”

This meaningful exchange reminded us that across borders, languages, and systems, we all carry the same hope: that every child, no matter their background or ability, will be given the chance to flourish.