Overall Approach to Risk Assessment Policy

 

HSCS: 5.17, 5.22

 

Considerations from the legal team:  

Ultimately the employer is accountable for health and safety and therefore cannot delegate health and safety duties. It can require staff to cooperate with them and to follow what they are told, but it cannot delegate a duty. There is no problem asking staff to do something e.g. a risk assessment, which is part of the policy, but it remains the employer’s duty to ensure it’s done and that it’s suitable and sufficient. It would not be a defence to a nursery if a member of staff did not undertake, for example, a risk assessment. The employer must therefore have a system in place to ensure such things are done. 

 

At Little Wonderland Nursery we take all reasonable steps to ensure staff and children in our care are not exposed to risks. We promote the safety of children, parents, staff and visitors by reviewing and reducing any risks.

 

Risk assessments

Risk assessments document the hazard or aspects of the environment that needs to be checked on a regular basis. These include who could be harmed, existing controls, the seriousness of the risk or possible injury, any further action needed to control the risk, who is responsible for what action, when/how often will the action be undertaken, and how this will be monitored and checked and by whom.

 

The nursery carries out written risk assessments regularly (at least annually). These are reviewed regularly and cover potential risks to children, staff and visitors at the nursery. When circumstances change in the nursery, e.g. a significant piece of equipment is introduced or a new activity or experience is planned, we review our current risk assessment or conduct a new risk assessment dependent on the nature of this change.

 

All staff are trained in the risk assessment process to ensure understanding and compliance of how they manage risks.

 

All outings away from the nursery are individually risk assessed and adequately staffed with paediatric first aid trained practitioners. For more details, refer to the Visits and outings policy.

2. Risk–Benefit Assessment Policy

Statement of Intent

In line with Care Inspectorate guidance, Little Wonderland Nursery adopts a risk–benefit approach to play. We understand that exposure to managed risk is essential for children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.

We aim to create an environment where children can experience challenge, develop confidence, and learn to assess risk for themselves.

 

Our Approach

We:

• Balance potential risks with the developmental benefits of play experiences
• Avoid unnecessary restrictions that limit learning opportunities
• Support children to build awareness of safety and risk
• Enable access to natural materials such as sticks, mud, and water

 

Dynamic Risk Assessment

Staff are expected to continually assess risk by:

• Monitoring the environment and changing conditions
• Considering children’s stage of development and individual needs
• Adjusting levels of support and supervision

Risk assessments are proportionate, enabling rather than restricting play.

Examples of Supported Risky Play

• Climbing, balancing, and exploring heights
• Using natural materials (e.g. sticks) appropriately
• Moving across uneven ground
• Building, transporting, and constructing

 

 

 

This policy was adopted on January 2025

 

policy reviewed 6 January 2026

 

Links to UNCRC Articles: 1, 2, 3, 12, 24