Assessment of Health Status, Safety and Child-Friendly Environment of Pre-Primary Schools in Lagos State

Abstract

Parents at different times have expressed worries at health hazards, safety and child-friendly environment and other dangerous experiences of their children at various schools and centres. Thus, this study aimed at assessing compliance with national minimum benchmark for health, safety and child-friendliness of pre-primary schools and child care centres. The study was conducted using descriptive survey design with direct observation of prevailing situations. Sixty (60) pre-primary schools were purposively selected across three contiguous local government areas in Lagos West Senatorial District. School Observation Checklist (r = 0.91) was used for data collection. Data gathered were analysed using frequency, percentages, median, standard deviation and t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that the health status, safety and child-friendliness of pre-primary schools in Lagos State were unsatisfactory (Grand median = 2) in terms of compliance with prescribed minimum benchmarks. There was a significant difference in health status (t = 4.564), safety (t = 5.347) and child-friendliness (t = 4.310) between private and public pre-primary schools and it was in favour of private schools. In conclusion, pre-primary schools in Lagos State did not satisfy the minimum benchmark of standard required to implement preschool curriculum in terms of safety measures, healthy environment and child-friendliness. Strong socio-economic will on the part of proprietors towards compliance with minimum benchmark required of pre-primary education is anticipated among others.