Risk AssessmentsAssignment 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