If planning physical play the age and physical development will be the main factors to take into consideration, as older children usually need less stringent supervision than younger children who may still be unsteady on their feet and lacking in co-ordination skills. If planning activities for children with sensory or visual impairment, or with learning difficulties, it is vital to ensure that they understand what you are telling them about safety issues, and you are on hand to reinforce this.
There's a specialist from your university waiting to help you with that essay.
Tell us what you need to have done now!
order now
When planning any activity it is your settings duty of care to the children, parents and carers to have the childs safety and welfare uppermost in your mind. This duty of care is also a legal requirement. The starting point for all activities planned is the desired outcomes for the children or young person. These activities should have clear aims and objectives based around their age appropriate required outcomes , eg: the EYFS for early years age groups. All staff in a setting should know the appropriate line of responsibility and accountability for the health and safety of children.
There should be clear reporting responsibilities within the setting. 1. 2 Explain how health and safety is monitored and maintained and how people in the work setting are made aware of risks and hazards and encouraged to work safely Risk assessments for all setting areas and for any outings should be carried out and updated on a regular basis. There should be clear policies and procedures for all aspects of heath and safety, and all staff should be aware of these. (See separate health and safety policies.
Every activity involves an element of risk, and this should be sensibly balanced against the benefit of the activity to the child and their development. If it is well planned, with careful consideration given to possible risks, the likelihood of accident or injury will be small. In getting the balance of risk correct for the individual child, a good understanding of their of their stage of development is essential. 3. 2 Explain the dilemma between the rights and choices of children and young people and health and safety requirements
As a carer it is our responsibility to judge each activity alongside any potential risks to decide if it is safe for the child to participate. This may be more important to some children that others. A child who is not exposed to challenging situations at home will benefit from being allowed to explore new situations and develop new skills in a safe controlled environment. As stated in the UN convention on the Rights of the Child, it is clearly stated that each child has the right to learn and develop into adults, and be protected from harm.
Children can only learn and develop by trying out new experiences and learning to make their own choices and decisions. Unfortunately they do not have the experience and skills to make appropriate and safe choices, and it is our responsibility to guide them into making the correct and safe choices, in the hope that this will eventually enable them to do so for themselves. 3. 3 Give example from own practice of supporting children or young people to assess and manage risk
In my setting the children are very small and unable to make decisions on managing risk and it is my responsibility to ensure their safety at all times. When visiting local playgrounds they know they are not allowed to go on the big swings or the big climbing frame and I explain that this is because they are not big enough to go on them, and that they will hurt themselves if they go on it. I also tell them that they will be able to use this equipment when they get older.
Outcome 4 Understand appropriate responses to accidents, incidents emergencies and illness in work settings and off site visits 4. 1 Explain the policies and procedures of the setting or service in response to accidents, incidents, emergencies and illness see attached policies and procedures 4. 2 Identify the correct procedures for recording and reporting accidents, incidents, injuries, signs of illness and other emergencies. See attached
