Thread: unit 3.4 (3.2)
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Unread 06-06-2013, 01:36 PM
chaz999 chaz999 is offline
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The challenge for practitioners is balancing the need for safety against the need for children to explore risks, as adults we take risks and engage in risky activities such as bungee jumping. All have risk of death and this gives us a rush or thrill. Similarly children need to explore their own levels of risk-taking but in safe environments. If we try to over protect children and prevent them from taking risks they will seek their own risk-taking when adults are not around.
The EYFS states that we need to conduct a risk assessment and review it regularly, the guidance on play includes the advice 'through play, in a secure but challenging environment with effective adult support, children can take risks and make mistakes'

Example-
A disabled child may be restricted in play at home because of parental concern that the child could hurt themselves, however in a well-controlled environment a child could be encouraged to explore and try out new skills.

The child has the rights and freedom of choice to take risks in exploring new challenges in a safe and controlled environment although this could cause conflict between staff and the parents, should the child be restricted and stay indoors or be allowed to play with the other children outdoors at the risk of an accident?

The practitioner should first talk to the parents and maintain good communication at all times, a risk assessment for the disabled child should be carried out and having a carer observe the child should ease the parents worries.
Allowing the child to play freely without restrictions will help the child’s development, confidence and self-esteem, although at the risk of an accident happening.
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