Draft regulation to enhance kindergarten security

A draft regulation that proposes upgrading security measures in kindergartens has been put out for public scrutiny.

The draft working guideline for kindergartens, which is open for public opinion until April 23, includes a set of detailed rules on security measures that kindergartens have to take. The current guidelines were put into effect in 1996.

The draft stipulates that kindergartens should set up a thorough emergency reaction plan, as well as child pickup and drop off procedures, to reinforce child safety.

It also said staff should have basic knowledge of first aid, self-help and escape procedures, and should "make children's safety a priority".

The draft was published after a string of violent incidents caused the public to speculate on the safety of kindergartens.

A number of school bus accidents have occurred in China in recent years. In December, 11 kindergarten students died after an overloaded school van plunged into a pond in East China's Jiangxi province.

Schools, including kindergartens, were also required to hire at least one full-time security guard in January in response to several deadly attacks aimed at young students last year.