The problem of safety and security in managing effective teaching and learning in the primary school

M.Ed.The problem of safety and security at schools has been identified as one of the main problems that schools are facing in the new millennium. The researcher is of the opinion that if the problem of safety and security in primary schools is not addressed soon, it will not only stunt the learners’ education but in the end, it will also impact negatively on the future development of the country. In terms of Section 29 of the South African Constitution (Act 108 of 1996): everyone has the right to a basic education, which also entails the right to a safe and secure learning and teaching environment. This research project could be valuable to school managers and SGBs of primary schools. For the purpose of this study, the focus will be on the problem of safety and security in managing effective teaching and learning in the primary school with the specific reference to a primary school in Sasolburg. The goal of education, which is to prepare the learners for the future, will not be achieved if learners there are still problems of safety and security at schools. This study explored the perceptions of educators on the problem of safety and security in managing effective teaching and learning in the primary school. The researcher conducted two focus group interviews with educators including SMTs and SGB members at a participating school. The interview schedule was unstructured with open-ended questions. The interviewees are also given a voice on how the phenomenon of the problem of safety and security in managing effective teaching and learning in the participating primary school can manifest itself. The findings revealed that during sports training sessions, some educators are not always present and learners are injuring themselves. Educators are not supervising learners during breaks and they have a tendency to leave learners unattended in classes. They are also leaving early after school thereby leaving learners unattended in the school premises, and there are also no security guards at the gate