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