Hi Chance,
I put K3h194 & k3h195 together in a reflective account, and wrote how that any activity a child does carries some risk. Its up to us as practitioners to have activities that are well planned and organised paying particular attention to the possible dangers and the risk of accidents or injuries, so that any incidents would be minimal.
Its important that children have the freedom to develop their skills, with adult support but not too much intervention. I went on to say about a gluing and sticking activity I did with some 2yr olds in a group, the glue we had was non toxic so it wasnt dangerous.
Once I had showed the children what to do, they had a great time sticking pieces of coloured paper shapes. We adapted the activity for a child with special needs by giving him the coloured paper shapes to move round his special table as he puts everything in his mouth.
We have to be vigilant and assess the equipment we are giving the children, the use of scissors for example is a big risk but by not moving around the room with them and not holding the scissors by the pointed end then it is a risk you can take with the right amount of staff. Obviously if the children are small you would use safety scissors, and plenty of supervision.
You could go onto say about how you are constantly assessing risks when your in a setting for example if the children are playing in the water tray and the floor gets wet, what do you do? Also you have outdoor risks as well. Children need to explore the outside environment but it has to be safe where the risk is controlled by adults. So then go onto say about health and safety, if any toys are damaged or broken what does your setting do? Do all the toys and equipment in your placement conform to the safety standard ie do they have the kitemark label on them and are they bought from a reputable source?
I went onto say about organising outings how the staff assess the risks beforehand. Also mention your settings policies and procedures on outings and the policies and procedures should an incident occur. Accidents are less likely to happen when:
Potential dangers are seen for example ponds are properly covered or filled in.
Children are never left alone.
Wherever possible toys and equipment purchased have the kite mark or safety mark on them to show they are of good standard.
Children are not over-protected and are allowed to develop skill to keep themselves safe.
Adults are good role models and set a safe example.
I hope this helps, my assessor signed mine off so it must have been ok lol
fluffy bunny