Analysis of Safety and Security Measures in Early Childhood Education and Care Centres in Benin City

Abstract

The central role of safety and security measures in early childhood education and care cannot be underestimated, as it remains the pillar of support for the smooth operation of the school system. This study, therefore, analyses the safety and security measures employed in early childhood education and care centres in Benin City. A survey research design was adopted, and the sample comprised 101 teachers and school managers selected through multistage sampling from public and private ECEC centres in Benin City. Mean and standard deviation was used to analyse the research questions while the hypothesis was tested with an independent t-test. The finding revealed that most ECEC centres made reasonably adequate compliance in the provision of some safety and security measures however, had insufficient provision in some key measures. The study further revealed a significant difference in safety and security measures between private and public schools' ECEC centres in favour of the private schools. Moreover, challenges in implementing safety and security measures include inadequate safety equipment and limited funding. Sequel to the findings, the study recommends that the Nigerian government at various levels, including private school operators, should strengthen existing safety and security measures through the installation of modern gadgets such as video surveillance, centre access control, promoting fire safety practices and strengthening pupils monitoring and supervision, among others, in early childhood and care centres across the country.