Health & SafetyIt is important that we remember that Health & Safety must be an integral part of everything we do.

We need to achieve a balance between keeping children safe and acceptable risk

Questions to consider:

How do we keep children safe?What is acceptable risk?How do we build confidence, not fear?What is risk assessment and how is it useful?

Keeping children safe involves:-Developmentally appropriate activitiesClean, safe, well organised environmentSafe materials and equipmentFit persons working with childrenAdult supervisionCorrect hygiene, fire safety and security

proceduresSecure buildings and groundsHelping the child to learn how to keep

themselves safe

What is risk assessment?Risk assessed through careful observation,

discussion about and information on the frequency of actual incidents

The differences between HAZARD and RISK is that a hazard is a physical situation that could potential result in harm

It is important to identify the genuine level of risk

Risk AssessmentTask: 1. Working in pairs identify the potential

hazards within the images provided by the tutor.

2.Now proceed to identify the potential risk and level of risk.

3.Using this information completed a risk assessment form.

Learning About Safety Differences exist between social and cultural groups on assessment of risk for children and so there are different judgements affecting the

boundaries determined by adults.

Learning about safety is also influenced by individual temperament, some children being more inquisitive and confident than others

Children’s awareness of safety and how to keep themselves safe, develops with age

Task:

Birth to one yearNo understanding of safety and risk but very

motivated to use physical skills

The need to explore should be catered for by giving children safe objects and materials to explore

Distraction is more effective than showing anger when a child is displaying natural curiosity

One to two years

Children do not learn from accidents, unable to generalise learning from one incident

Can become very absorbed in activity and unaware of danger

Three to five yearsThe ability to apply what they have learnt is

growingAdults need to gradually increase children’s

responsibility for the own learning, letting them do activities not previously allowed, but must not overestimate abilities

Children more able to look ahead and benefit from adults information provided through words and demonstration, bear in mind, however, children don’t always understand adult explanation

Three to five continuedCultural attitudes often encourage boys rather

than girls to take risk

Adults need to try to see the world through children’s eyes and anticipate the risk they may face through inexperience

Five to eight yearsCompetence in practical and life skills, will

result from opportunities to learn from experiences.

Still lack understanding in some areas and may not understand the limits to their skills.

Need challenges otherwise become passive or create dangers themselves