Unit 3 Use legislation relating to the health and safety of children

Learning Outcomes LO4 Be able to manage risk within an early years environment. AC 4.1 Carry out risk assessment within own setting. AC 4.2 Describe how health and safety risk assessments are monitored and reviewed. AC 4.3 Support children in own setting to manage risk. AC 4.4 Reflect on own role in the setting when managing risk.

4. Be able to manage risk within an early years environment (4.4) Time: 15 mins Are you a risk taker? Consider: Do you like beach holidays or skiing holidays? Will you take on any challenge that comes your way, or do you prefer to assess the challenge before you accept it? Are you happy to do things outside of your comfort zone? What are the positives and negatives of taking risks?

4. Be able to manage risk within an early years environment (4.1) Risk assessments Every setting will have policies and procedures for risk assessments. ‘Setting’ includes all areas of the setting, as well as off-site visits, trips and outings. Regular risk assessments will be carried out in the setting to make sure the building and environment are safe for everyone to use. Activities will require risk assessing to identify if any health or safety measures need to be put in to place, for example when using outdoor climbing equipment. Outings will need to be risk assessed before the visit, to check for any possible hazards or risks. This will include travel arrangements, ratios and facilities once there.

4. Be able to manage risk within an early years environment (4.1) Time: 15 mins planning plus time to carry out a risk assessment You are required to carry out a risk assessment within your own setting. Before you carry this out consider: Arranging a time with your supervisor to look at the risk assessment forms Asking your supervisor to explain any areas of the form you are unsure of Identifying what you are going to risk assess – this could be either an area of the setting or a specific activity Discussing with your supervisor when you will carry this out What you will do with the outcomes of your risk assessment. The risk assessment can be planned for within the classroom, so that learners will be prepared when they discuss it within the setting. Learners can be encouraged to think about what they may need to ask the supervisor about the whole process.

4. Be able to manage risk within an early years environment (4.2) Risk assessments The policies and procedures of the setting will identify how risk assessments are monitored and reviewed. All risk assessments forms must be dated, signed and centrally stored, as this will enable any risks or hazards to be monitored and reviewed. Any risks that are identified must be documented, dealt with and reviewed. It is important to review risk assessments to make sure any risks have been minimised or removed.

4. Be able to manage risk within an early years environment (4.3) Managed risk A managed risk is when the risk or danger of an activity or experience is carefully balanced against the safety and benefit to the child. For example: Encouraging a child to push themselves to do something they have not done before, while ensuring their safety If a child has never jumped from a low beam before, a practitioner can encourage them to do so while making sure they are safe – this will boost the child’s self-esteem and independence There is a very small risk that they may wobble and fall, but this is a managed risk.

4. Be able to manage risk within an early years environment (4.4) Role of the practitioner Practitioners will need to support children to take managed risks. Children will need to feel safe and secure before they are able to take managed risks. Children will need to trust practitioners when being supported to take a risk. If a practitioner makes a child feel nervous when they are trying something for the first time, they will be less likely to try it.

4. Be able to manage risk within an early years environment (4.3, 4.4) Time: 15 mins How do you support children to take managed risks? Consider: What you would say to a child to help them to do something for the first time Being able to stop a child from doing something that is dangerous and beyond a manageable risk Do you feel you empower children to take risks, or are you cautious around risk taking? How might this affect children? Learners should consider their own actions and attitudes towards risk taking. Learners should discuss whether they can fully support children to take managed risks.

4. Be able to manage risk within an early years environment (4.3, 4.4) Time: 20 mins What are the benefits of children taking managed risks? Consider: Developing self-confidence Increasing self-esteem Developing physical skills A sense of pride and happiness Are there any negatives in children taking managed risks? Learners should discuss the benefits, to show the importance of their role in supporting children to take managed risks. Discussing negative points will enable learners to discuss how they could overcome these.

4. Be able to manage risk within an early years environment (4.4) Time: 15 mins Think about a specific situation in your setting where you have supported a child or children to take a managed risk. How effective were you in supporting the child or children? Consider: The age of the child or children The managed risk they were taking Your tone of voice when supporting them Your verbal and body language when supporting the managed risk What went well What would you do differently next time? This reflection activity will enable learners to review their practice and identify strengths, as well as areas for improvement.

4. Be able to manage risk within an early years environment (4.3, 4.4) Time: 15 mins A worried parent/carer has asked to come and talk to you about an activity they consider to be dangerous. How would you explain the benefits of children taking managed risks to this parent/carer? Consider: The age of the children The parent/carer’s wishes The activity and how risk is managed The benefits to the child of taking part in this activity. Learners can use an actual activity they have taken part in to help them with this activity.

Summary Risk assessments are essential to keep children safe. The outcome of a risk assessment must be monitored and reviewed. Taking managed risks has many benefits to a child. A practitioner will need to support children to take managed risks, whilst making sure they are safe to do so.

Plenary Who should carry out risk assessments? Describe two activities that could provide a managed risk for a child. Explain three things a practitioner should not do when supervising a child taking a managed risk.