Play and risk

"The importance of appropriate risk taking in children's development is crucial." Ronnie Hill, Care Commission

In the latest edition of Care News, the Care Commission's newsletter, there is an article clarifying the Care Commission's stance on risk and play.

In the article Ronnie Hill, Director of Children's Services Regulation, dispels the myths that the Care Commission is opposed to risk in play which is said to be creating a generation of 'cotton wool' kids. It is not a question of banning or discouraging what might be seen to be higher risk activities but ensuring that these activities are appropriately assessed and managed. The myths that the Care Commission prevents out of school care and other childcare providers from encouraging physical activities is simply untrue.

Ronnie said, "...those with responsibilities for caring for children and young people can't take a cavalier approach to their safety and well-being. So we need to strike a balance... All activities will have some degree of risk associated with them. What is important is that the service has thought carefully about the risks involved, considered best practice and guidance, consulted the children's parent, assessed that the risks are not unacceptable and planned to control and manage any risks."

Do you feel able and are you confident of undertaking risk assessments for "higher risk" activities?

One service which took children fishing asked the children to think about potential risks involved- the children identified "falling into the water", "getting 'hooked' in the face etc" as potential risks and were similar to those identified by staff. Together the staff and children assessed the activity and developed ways of minimising any potential risks; staff felt the children took more responsibility for themselves and hoped that should they go fishing wihout adult supervision they would have a greater awareness of how to manage the risks.

One of our blog entries from last July shows children toasting marshmallows over fire bowls during the school holidays- an enjoyable and safe activity for all showing that risks can, and should, be taken so long as they are well managed.

Childcare services registered with the Care Commission should receive copies of Care News, however the article can be downloaded from the Care Commission website.