Children spend the majority of their day in school. Parents and the school want their safety to be non-negotiable. As they spend their most active hours on the school campus, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) holds schools directly accountable for creating a secure environment. Additionally, in a recent circular, CBSE School Safety Guidelines have been emphasised upon yet again for the schools. This reminds the schools that maintaining a safe environment for the students is not a one-time task but an ongoing effort.
What do the CBSE Safety Guidelines for Schools say?
There are guidelines laid down by CBSE that schools need to follow. Important points to remember:
- Mandatory Certificates: Valid fire safety, building safety and other prescribed certificates are required.
- Reference Framework: Schools must align with NCPCR and NDMA manuals.
- Data Submission: Compliance data may need to be updated on the OASIS portal.
Why is this reminder necessary?
CBSE has yet again given a reminder to schools to update their required safety certificates. In fact, the main goal is for schools to not have expired safety certificates esp. fire, building, and transport. These checks must be active and valid while the school is running. Expired certificates pose a legal and physical risk to the institution and its students.
Key Areas of Safety Compliance
The schools are responsible for maintaining safety and security for the students. Some of the measures mentioned in the circular are:
- The school must ensure the Fire Safety norms and compliance as prescribed by athe ppropriate authority.
- Goal: Schools should have functional extinguishers, clear evacuation maps, and insulated wiring. Furthermore, regular fire drills should be conducted.
- The school must ensure that the school building structure is safe and sound for running the school and must comply with the norms of Building Safety as laid down by the appropriate authority.
- Goal: Regular inspections to identify weak structures, damp walls, or dangerous roofing before they cause accidents.
- The school must ensure that the students are safe and secure in the school premises during the school hours.
- There is no area left unsupervised or vulnerable. This includes staff background checks, appointment of security staff like guards and CCTV coverage (if possible).
- The school must ensure the safety and security of the students in school bus and other school transportation.
- Appointment should be of trained drivers with valid vehicle fitness certificates, GPS tracking, and safe boarding/de-boarding procedures.
- The school must review the safety guidelines and get the safety certificates renewed from time to time as prescribed by appropriate authority.
- Goal: All safety and security certificates are updated and renewed regularly.
CBSE Safety Guidelines for Schools Essential Resources
However, CBSE has, on numerous occasions, directed schools to follow the guidelines laid down by various statutory bodies. Additionally, schoold need to go through the safety manuals and guidelines as given by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
- Comprehensive Safety Manual
- Hostel Regulations
- Pre-School Safety
- Disaster Management
A note for the schools
School safety is more than just paperwork, it is about building trust. When schools proactively manage their certificates and follow official guidelines, they protect their most valuable asset, the students. Moreover, a strong, compliant safety system ensures that education remains the focus, not emergency management.
FAQs about CBSE school safety guidelines
- What is the main purpose of the CBSE Safety Circular?
The circular serves as a reminder for schools to keep their Fire Safety and Building Safety certificates valid and updated at all times. - Where should schools submit their safety compliance data?
CBSE requires schools to update their safety details and certificate validity on the OASIS portal. - Which authorities define school safety rules in India?
Besides CBSE, schools must follow guidelines from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).