sarah707
29-10-2009, 07:01 PM
I was approached by a childminder recently who was challenged during her inspection to produce risk assessments for all her outings, including outings in the rain!
There was also the situation where the Eyfs says one thing and the Inspector's Handbook says another. :rolleyes:
I was slightly confused so, as ever, I thought it best to approach Ofsted direct for a reply.
Well, here's what they say on the subject :D
In your query below, you ask for clarification on risk assessment for outings.
We do not insist on a separate risk assessment for each outing but for each type of outing, as set out in the Statutory Framework page 24.
This does not mean that a provider has to carry out a full risk assessment before every outing providing there is one in place for that type of outing. For example, a regular outing to the local park would need a full risk assessment before the first time it occurred, but after that time the provider need only consider the risks for the outing and take appropriate measures to counteract them. However a one-off outing, for example, to the beach for the day would need a separate full risk assessment.
Although the need to carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing is a specific legal requirement, it is not a specific legal requirement for the record of risk assessment to include outings though it is good practice for all providers to do so as it keeps the risks associated with outings at the forefront of what providers do.
Yours Sincerely
Michael West
Early Years & Childcare
Frameworks Policy & Guidance
There was also the situation where the Eyfs says one thing and the Inspector's Handbook says another. :rolleyes:
I was slightly confused so, as ever, I thought it best to approach Ofsted direct for a reply.
Well, here's what they say on the subject :D
In your query below, you ask for clarification on risk assessment for outings.
We do not insist on a separate risk assessment for each outing but for each type of outing, as set out in the Statutory Framework page 24.
This does not mean that a provider has to carry out a full risk assessment before every outing providing there is one in place for that type of outing. For example, a regular outing to the local park would need a full risk assessment before the first time it occurred, but after that time the provider need only consider the risks for the outing and take appropriate measures to counteract them. However a one-off outing, for example, to the beach for the day would need a separate full risk assessment.
Although the need to carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing is a specific legal requirement, it is not a specific legal requirement for the record of risk assessment to include outings though it is good practice for all providers to do so as it keeps the risks associated with outings at the forefront of what providers do.
Yours Sincerely
Michael West
Early Years & Childcare
Frameworks Policy & Guidance