Should risk assessments be removed?

Kelly

8 years ago

What are your views on the removal of written risk assessments?

As settings no longer have to document risk assessments is this just a paper saving exercise? and how are risks being identified and minimised?. As risk assessments help keep children safe should settings be documenting these?

There is the argument that practitioners should spend less time filling out paperwork and spending more quality time with the children but at what cost. In the EYFS it refers to settings have a clear policy outlining how they assess and review risks and this doesn’t necessarily have to be written down. If risk assessments aren’t documented how can settings demonstrate to Ofsted that they have measures in place to protect adults and children.Managers will need to ensure communication to practitioners about the settings risk assessment policy is clear so everyone fully understands it. Otherwise failing to understand it could lead to children being put in danger.

It is advised that settings still document some risk assessments, as this will show clear evidence of how adult and children are protected from risk.

Changes in risk assessments

Risk assessments for outings no longer have to be written down. Prior to this change, it was down to settings to carry out a thorough risk assessment before children could go on the outing this was to eliminate potential dangers. The change now means the emphasis is still on the setting to ensure children are kept safe on outings. but it is down to colleagues to communicate between one another about the potential risks and identify the steps on how to remove, minimise and manage the risks. This risk assessment does not necessarily have to be written down. It is now required that consent is obtained from parents for taking children on outings.

What are the benefits of having risk assessments written down?

Clear for everyone to see
Parents can see if they request a copy
Show adult to child ratio
Make everyone aware of the risk and how to minimise them.
Gives nursery managers a clear view of the route taken on outings

It is down to providers to make the judgement as to whether risk assessments are written down, however, it is important that if providers decide to not write them down, then managers need to ensure they can clearly demonstrate their risk assessment procedures.