Safety and security in preschools: A challenge in informal settlements
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Date
2018
Authors
Teresa, Mwoma
Nyakwara, Begi
Murungi, Catherine Gakii
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Abstract
School safety is important in enhancing children’s learning. It is defined as measures put
in place by staff, parents, learners and other stakeholders. The measures are meant to
minimise risk conditions that may cause accidents, bodily injury as well as emotional and
psychological distress. Accidents, if not prevented, can cause disability or death, while
emotional and psychological trauma can lead to lack of self-esteem which may result in
poor performance in education. Therefore meaningful teaching and learning cannot
happen in an environment that is not safe and secure for both learners and staff. This
article presents findings of a study conducted in preschools in informal settlements in
Nairobi County, Kenya, focusing on safety and security for children in preschools. A
mixed methods approach involving concurrent qualitative and quantitative data
collection procedures was utilised for the study, conducted in 54 preschools involving 54
head teachers/managers, 78 pre-school teachers and four officers in education in Nairobi
City County. Findings revealed that government has endeavoured to come up with
guidelines and minimum standards through various policies, but preschools in informal
settlements are experiencing a myriad of challenges impacting negatively on children’s
learning. Among these are poor infrastructure, lack of play space and play equipment,
congested classrooms and school compounds not fenced. In view of the challenges, it is
recommended that county government in collaboration with other stakeholders in early
childhood should come up with model preschools in informal settlements to create
conducive learning environments. There is also a need for frequent inspection of
preschools to ensure that safety and security standards are observed and implemented.
Description
Research Article
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Citation
Issues in Educational Research, 28(3), pg.720-736. http://www.iier.org.au/iier28/mwoma