Parents happy about safety at schools

Most parents in the UAE perceive school-going children are safe and there is adequate supervision during school hours, according to a new survey.

School transport fees remained a common concern among parents as most of them (56 per cent) felt transportation was not available at reasonable fees.

“Different schools in the same area have different transport fee structures. There should be a system to regulate school transport fees,” said a parent who did not wish to be named.

Most respondents said they were comfortable with the school safety and transport procedures.

The survey also asked parents on their feedback about school canteens. In general, four in ten claimed that canteens at their children’s schools provided fresh and hygienic food, while only 18 per cent in Sharjah believe canteens provide fresh and hygienic food.

Tanya D’Souza who sends her children to a school in Sharjah said she prepares a lunch box and does not promote eating at the canteen. “I am very particular about sending home-made food as it is fresh and healthy. Also, I am not going to give them any oily or junk food in the lunch box,” said Tanya.

A little over 50 per cent of the parents in Abu Dhabi remained neutral with their views regarding canteens providing food items at reasonable prices. The percentage of parents satisfied with the canteen food was much lesser in Sharjah as only 18 per cent found food items sold at reasonable prices.

As many as 429 parents were surveyed as part of the study conducted by Zarca Interactive and GolinHarris.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com