Risk Assessment Policy

It is our policy to keep children safe by assessing any risks to their safety whilst allowing them the opportunity to take measured risks to support their learning and development.

In order to do this we will ensure that:

We check our setting and garden daily before the minded children arrive to ensure that it is a safe environment for the children to play in.

We risk assess any environment that we take the children into, for example walking to school; the shops; library; and toddler groups etc. If we are planning to take the children into environments that are unknown to us we will try to do a risk assessment in advance so we are aware of any potential hazards.  

We assess any risks and hazards when using transport and take action when necessary to minimise any accidents or incidents.

Where appropriate, We have written risk assessments. These detail:

the environment to be checked
the hazards
who might be harmed and how 
what I am doing now
what further action is required 
frequency of checks

We also include a review date and review when there is a significant change in our setting

Our activities will be well planned and organised. We will plan for the unique needs of each child depending on their age and stage of development, allowing children the freedom to explore, develop concepts and learn how to predict and avoid dangerous situations.

This policy also links with our accident and emergency procedures, health and safety, and outings policy.

updated Jan16