Play and Risk

All children and young people need and want to take risks physically and emotionally as they grow up, no matter what culture or background they come from, or what impairments or behaviour they may come with.  

The benefits of risk taking include: extending skills, developing physical and emotional capacities, challenging ourselves in new ways and gaining direct experience of the consequences of our actions. Being brave and conquering a fear is something that is very important to children and a sign of growth.

What do we mean by risk in terms of play provision?

We mean providing opportunities for all children to encounter or create uncertainty, unpredictability, and potential hazards as part of their play. We do not mean putting children in danger of serious harm. 

Every child is different; one child's idea of a risky situation might be another's idea of something easy-peasy. We do not force children to do anything that they feel is beyond them, or encourage them to go any further than they feel safe. Neither do we simply leave children to fend for themselves.

If in doubt, or if we are unfamiliar with the child, we err on the side of caution; we have a duty of care towards the children in our setting.

We need to be aware that some disabled children will have been excluded from potentially risky situations, and that inclusive practice means opening up or supporting all children in creating what are risky play opportunities for them.

Quality play provision includes opportunities for children and young people to take risks.  If we do not provide play opportunities that involve some element of risk and challenge children will seek it elsewhere.  Any risk assessment must balance the danger of harm against the benefit to the child in taking part in the risky behaviour.