Risk Assessments Assignment 002

Why do you we carry out risk assessment? Any activity you do with children has some risk attached to it. An EYW should be able to balance the risk of the activity against the benefits of the child development. Children need to explore their environment in a way that is safe. Its an adults job to give the children freedom to explore with not too much intervention.

Your setting You should have a Health and Safety Policy which should be updated by your supervisor. There should be risk assessment in place, that you have read and been updated if you have new equipment. You should be aware of the NOS and the CSSIW standards.

Activity You are taking a group of children to Colwyn Bay Zoo. List all the hazards you can think of

Hazard and Risk You identify the hazard to reduce the risk

Hazard & Risk A Hazard is something likely to cause harm. E.g. water play & equipment A Risk is the seriousness of the hazard. E.g. drowning, slipping

Statistics 350 children die every year in the UK 100,000 children are admitted to hospital Two million visit A & E department each year Source - Child Accident Trust

To think about Is the activity safe to do How many children is it for (adult ratio) Is the area suitable What equipment is being used Look for PAT, BS kite mark, CE mark Is it suitable for the child’s needs and age Has a risk assessment been done

Risk Assessment Step 1 – identify the hazard Step 2 – who is at risk and how Step 3 – evaluate the risk, and what can be done to cut down the risk Step 4 – record the findings Step 5 - review your assessment yearly or when new equipment arrives

Risk assessment Now do your own risk assessment