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.

Happy new year

Hope 2010 is a successful and happy year for all. The diary is beginning to fill up for the next 12 months- this year we shall be increasing the number of mentoring sessions for Aiming High Scotland and we have a number of events either planned or being developed, information to follow.

Don't forget our Future Changes seminar on Tuesday 26th January in Glasgow- an opportunity to learn about and discuss the proposed changes to the Care Commission and help shape our manifesto for out of school care ahead of the UK general election later this year. Contact Finlay on 0141 564 1284 for further information or visit www.soscn.org .

Season's Greetings

The Scottish Out of School Care Network wishes all its members a happy and safe festive season. Best wishes for 2010 and we look forward to working with you in the new year.

North Lanarkshire is Aiming High

Yesterday SOSCN was invited to attend an out of school care development day hosted by North Lanarkshire Council. The council have invested financial resources and time in supporting out of school care services through Aiming High Scotland; as a result nearly all OSC services in the area have completed the award and some are even in the process of renewal. This is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work and commitment from OSC providers to deliver high quality services and ultimately quality experiences for children and young people.

SOSCN were delighted to be able to present North Lanarkshire council with the first Local Authority Aiming High Award in recognition of this achievement. A fantastic cake added to the celebration.