Risk assessments and the EYFS

[sarah707]

Risk assessments do not necessarily need to be in writing to comply with the requirements of the EYFS.

However, it is important that you can confidently discuss how you keep children safe with parents and Ofsted.

You might also be required to share your risk assessments with insurance assessors if, for example, a child has a serious injury while in your care.

You might find this document useful reading if you are unsure about whether to have your risk assessments in writing -

Writing Risk Assessments (http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/freeresources/Free%20downloads/writingriskassessments.html)

Ofsted used to have a risk assessment guidance document but it was withdrawn and they no longer advise on whether we should write RAs or not - the guidance said to write some core ones such as inside the house, resources and equipment, outside and different types of outings.

This child-led risk assessments thread by Pauline is very popular -

http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/forum/risk-assessments/53628-child-led-risk-assessments.html

You will find more free advice about writing risk assessments here -

Risk assessments and the EYFS :: Eyfs for Childminders (http://eyfsforchildminders.webnode.com/risk-assessments-and-the-eyfs/)

Evacuation procedures for children -

Evacuation Procedure (http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/freeresources/Free%20downloads/evacuationprocedure.html)

Daily health and safety checklist - it is not a requirement to write a checklist but many childminders find them useful -

Daily Checklist (http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/freeresources/Free%20downloads/dailychecklist.html)

If you have any links to free information about risk assessments please add them to the thread :D

[Rick]

I was picked up on my inspection for not having a risk assessment for visiting the Bath Abbey although I said I checked my outings risk assessment and I would just be repeating myself doing one for the Abbey. Do I have to do one for every trip?

[sarah707]

I was picked up on my inspection for not having a risk assessment for visiting the Bath Abbey although I said I checked my outings risk assessment and I would just be repeating myself doing one for the Abbey. Do I have to do one for every trip?

It is NOT a requirement of the eyfs to have a risk assessment for every outing - nor is it a requirement to have written risk assessments.

However, some inspectors do seem to expect them. It is up to you how you manage the requirement.

Personally I have them all in writing and they are regularly updated because that is how I have always worked.

Hth :D

[Rick]

It is NOT a requirement of the eyfs to have a risk assessment for every outing - nor is it a requirement to have written risk assessments.

However, some inspectors do seem to expect them. It is up to you how you manage the requirement.

Personally I have them all in writing and they are regularly updated because that is how I have always worked.

Hth :D

Thanks for that. I think from now on I will just do one for each trip to be on the safe side. I don't go to that many different places so they won't take too long to do and update (the Bath Spa has been there since Roman times so is unlikely to require much alteration!) :laughing:

[habib]

Thanks for that. I think from now on I will just do one for each trip to be on the safe side. I don't go to that many different places so they won't take too long to do and update (the Bath Spa has been there since Roman times so is unlikely to require much alteration!) :laughing:

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