mushpea
07-01-2012, 03:39 PM
those of you that have 'loose parts' in your garden for the children to play with such as pepples, sticks, wood blocks, pipes, guttering etc how do you risk assess this play? I am thinking of writing the following but does it sound ok? would this be acceptable to ofsted do you think?
'Loose parts play
In my garden I have several ‘loose parts’ for the children to play with such as…..( list of current items). I feel it is important and benifical to children to have these items to play with as I feel it will develop their imagination, physical development, problem solving skills, sense of acceptable risk and helps them learn to help and work with each other. It also helps them to develop their own instincts ideas and intersts and builds their confidence.
Whilst using these items risk assesments are on going through the play both by myself and the children involved, children are supervised according to their age and stage of development so for example children who are young or less able are closely supervised whilst children who are older or more able are supervised from a distance.
Children are taught rules for playing with the loose parts such as don’t throw sand/stones, towers must not be higher than your shoulders, no swinging pipes round etc, they are taught what is safe and what is not through my guidance . If children do not follow the rules or listen to my guidance then they are not allowed to play with this equipment until such time I feel they are ready to come back and listen to my guidance and follow the rules.'
I would appriciate oppions please folks
'Loose parts play
In my garden I have several ‘loose parts’ for the children to play with such as…..( list of current items). I feel it is important and benifical to children to have these items to play with as I feel it will develop their imagination, physical development, problem solving skills, sense of acceptable risk and helps them learn to help and work with each other. It also helps them to develop their own instincts ideas and intersts and builds their confidence.
Whilst using these items risk assesments are on going through the play both by myself and the children involved, children are supervised according to their age and stage of development so for example children who are young or less able are closely supervised whilst children who are older or more able are supervised from a distance.
Children are taught rules for playing with the loose parts such as don’t throw sand/stones, towers must not be higher than your shoulders, no swinging pipes round etc, they are taught what is safe and what is not through my guidance . If children do not follow the rules or listen to my guidance then they are not allowed to play with this equipment until such time I feel they are ready to come back and listen to my guidance and follow the rules.'
I would appriciate oppions please folks