How do pre-primary teachers keep young children safe at school?
Pre-primary teachers keep children safe by supervising at all times, checking the room and play areas for hazards, following hand-over and pickup rules, knowing first aid and emergency plans, managing allergies and medicines safely, maintaining hygiene, following child-protection policy and reporting concerns promptly. In India, the POCSO Act requires reporting of suspected child sexual abuse; CHILDLINE 1098 and emergency 112 can be called for help.
What this means in practice
Safety is the first responsibility of every early-years teacher.
Daily safety checklist
- Count children at transitions
- Check toys and equipment
- Lock away chemicals and medicines
- Release children only to authorised adults
- Keep first-aid kit stocked
Child protection
Know your school's designated safeguarding person, record concerns factually, and never promise a child to keep a secret.
Responding to a disclosure
If a child tells you something that worries you, stay calm, listen, and do not ask leading questions. Reassure the child that they did the right thing by telling you, but do not promise to keep it secret. Write down exactly what the child said, the date and time, and report it immediately to your school's designated safeguarding person or as your policy requires. Do not investigate yourself.
Practical next steps
- Read your school's safety and child-protection policies.
- Take first-aid training.
- Practise emergency drills.
- Know who to report concerns to.
Common follow-up questions
Is reporting abuse mandatory in India?
Yes, under the POCSO Act.
What is CHILDLINE 1098?
A national helpline for children in need of care and protection, now linked with emergency number 112.
Sources
- Ministry of Women and Child Development: POCSO
- Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
Course facts from APTTI's published course pages, checked 10 October 2026. Editorial policy.