Mumbai has witnessed a rapid rise in playschools and nurseries due to increasing demand for early childhood education. While many institutions operate responsibly, a growing number of unregistered playschools and nurseries function without proper approvals or regulatory oversight. These centers may appear convenient or affordable, but they often compromise on critical aspects of child safety, supervision, and accountability.
Parents must be especially cautious, as early childhood settings involve vulnerable age groups that require the highest level of care and protection.
Beyond infrastructure and supervision issues, such institutions also fail to follow national education frameworks like NEP 2020 and NSQF, which are essential for structured and holistic early learning.
Non-Compliance with NEP 2020: A major Educational Gap
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places strong emphasis on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), covering children aged 3 to 8 years. It promotes:
- Play-based and activity-oriented learning
- Development of cognitive, emotional, social, and motor skills
- Stress-free, age-appropriate education
Most unregistered playschools:
- Focus on rote learning and worksheets
- Introduce premature academics
- Ignore socio-emotional and experiential learning
This directly contradicts NEP 2020 and can negatively impact a child’s natural development.
Ignoring NSQF Standards: Impact on Quality and Skill Development
The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) emphasizes structured skill development, trained educators, and standardized learning outcomes. While NSQF is often associated with higher education and vocational training, its principles of competency-based learning and qualified human resources are equally relevant in early education.
Unregistered playschools typically:
- Employ untrained or uncertified staff
- Lack standardized teaching methodologies
- Do not align staff roles or learning outcomes with recognized frameworks
This results in inconsistent quality and poor foundational skill development.
What Is an Unregistered Playschool or Nursery?
An unregistered playschool or nursery operates without formal recognition or compliance with guidelines issued by local civic bodies and education authorities. In Mumbai, registration ensures adherence to minimum standards related to:
- Child safety and security
- Infrastructure and hygiene
- Staff qualifications and background verification
- Emergency preparedness
Unregistered centers typically bypass inspections, making it difficult to assess their reliability.
Why Unregistered Playschools Are a Serious Concern
- Compromised Child Safety
Without mandatory inspections, many unregistered centers lack:
- Fire safety equipment
- Secure entry and exit systems
- Proper supervision during play and transition times
This increases the risk of accidents and unsafe situations.
- Absence of CCTV Surveillance
One of the most alarming gaps in unregistered playschools is the lack of CCTV monitoring.
CCTV surveillance is essential because it:
- Acts as a deterrent against negligence or misconduct
- Ensures continuous supervision of classrooms and common areas
- Provides accountability and transparency to parents
In centers without CCTV, there is no way to verify how children are supervised throughout the day.
The Overlooked Risk: Non-Teaching Staff
Parents often focus on teachers but ignore the role of non-teaching staff, who interact closely with children on a daily basis.
Who Are Non-Teaching Staff?
- Helpers and caretakers
- Cleaners and sanitation staff
- Security and gate attendants
- Office and support staff
In unregistered playschools, these individuals are frequently hired without training, or child-safety orientation.
Risks Associated with Unverified Non-Teaching Staff
Untrained or unchecked non-teaching staff can pose serious risks:
- Inadequate supervision during washroom use and outdoor play
- Poor hygiene and sanitation practices
- Unsafe handling of children
- Security lapses during drop-off and pick-up
Since young children cannot always communicate discomfort or danger, responsible adult supervision is non-negotiable.
What Registered Playschools Do Differently
Registered and compliant playschools in Mumbai ensure:
- CCTV coverage in classrooms and common areas (excluding private spaces)
- Clear policies on CCTV access and data protection
- Defined staff roles and child-safety protocols
- Regular monitoring by authorities
These measures create a secure and nurturing environment for early learning.
How Parents Can Protect Their Children
Before enrolling your child, always:
- Ask for official registration
- Confirm the presence of CCTV cameras
- Visit the premises
- Ask about supervision during playtime, meals, and dispersal
Transparency is a sign of a trustworthy institution.
Conclusion
Unregistered playschools and nurseries in Mumbai often fail on multiple fronts safety, staffing, surveillance, and educational standards. Their lack of compliance with NEP 2020 and NSQF further raises concerns about the quality of early education being delivered.
Parents must look beyond convenience and cost. A child’s early learning environment should be safe, regulated, and developmentally appropriate. Choosing a registered, policy-compliant playschool is not just an educational decision—it is a responsibility toward your child’s future.
Early education must begin with protection, purpose, and policy alignment.
-Ms. Fariha Waghu