Five steps to risk assessment
The EYFS 2012 states: - “Providers must have a clear and well-understood policy, and procedures, for assessing any risks to
children’s safety, and review risk assessments regularly. Providers must determine where it is helpful to make some written risk
assessments in relation to specific issues, to inform staff practice, and to demonstrate how they are managing risks if asked by
parents and/or carers or inspectors. Risk assessments should identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a
regular basis, when and by whom those aspects will be checked, and how the risk will be removed or minimised.
The Health and Safety Executive’s website – www.hse.gov.uk/risk/fivesteps - provides guidance on producing risk assessments.
The following is an extract from their site.
‘A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up
whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.’
In order to assess risks in your setting you should follow the following five steps:
Identify the hazards
Decide who might be harmed and how
Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
Record your findings and implement them
Review your assment and update if necessary
When thinking about your risk assessment, remember
A hazard is anything that may cause harm, such as chemicals, electricity, an open drawer etc.
The risk is the chance, high or low, that somebody could be harmed by these and other hazards, together with an
indication of how serious the harm could be.
You can either use one risk assessment form for each area and activity or a multi-purpose form to cover all areas and activities.
Requirements for risk assessments
A childcare factsheet
Introduction
The Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage sets out legal requirements that all providers must meet. This
includes requirements relating to risk assessments. Providers must have a policy and procedures for assessing risks and must
carry out risk assessments in two circumstances. These are in relation to:
 the environment (paragraph 3.63 of the Statutory framework)
 outings (paragraph 3.64 of the Statutory framework).
This factsheet sets out our expectations relating to the policy and procedures and the identification, checking and recording of risks
in these two areas.
Risk assessment policy and procedures
The Statutory framework requires providers to have a policy and procedures for assessing risks. You must have these in writing
unless you are a childminder (paragraph 3.3 of the Statutory framework). There is no detail on what the policy and procedures must
cover. We would normally expect them to cover how and when risk assessments are carried out, who is involved in assessing risks,
what aspects they cover, what records are needed and how these must be kept. If you are a childminder you must be able to
explain these arrangements to us if you do not have your policy and procedures in writing.
Risk assessments relating to the environment
The legal requirement is for risk assessments that identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis,
when and by whom those aspects will be checked and how risks will be removed and minimised. The Statutory framework states
that it is for providers to judge when these risk assessments should be in writing. However, providers must also comply with the
requirements of health and safety legislation (paragraph 3.53) and providers must consider how they meet the requirements for risk
assessments in relation to that legislation where five or more people work together.1
The Statutory framework also requires risk assessments to be reviewed regularly. If providers are also registered on the Childcare
Register the requirement is for risk assessments to be reviewed annually.
How you decide on what needs to be written, what needs to be checked and how often it is reviewed is very much down to you but
you may wish to take into account:
 the size of your provision, its layout and location (for example if there are stairs for children to negotiate, or an outdoor area
that has rubbish thrown into it from passers-by)
 the ages of children attending and whether areas within the provision are used by children of different ages
 whether you involve children in assessing risks, including taking account of their height, developmental understanding and
mobility
 whether the risk assessment is for your sole use at all times or whether other people use it as well (for example a
community hall where risks may be introduced by other users)
 whether your staff group, including any volunteers, understand risks to children and how to manage them and can explain
this to others
 the number of people who need to know if aspects have been checked, including part-time staff, volunteers or agency
workers.
1
For more information on health and safety legislation, please go to the Health and Safety Executive website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/index.htm.
Risk assessments for outings
There is a legal requirement for you to carry out risk assessments for outings. The Statutory framework makes it clear that this
should include an assessment of the ratios of adults to children needed for outings, and it must include an assessment of the risks
and hazards that might arise for the children.
We interpret an outing as being any occasion you leave the premises where you provide childcare with at least one child being
cared for. The children do not necessarily have to return to the premises (for example their parents may collect them from the
outing destination). If you are collecting children from elsewhere, such as school, before bringing them into the childcare setting, we
do not interpret this as an outing. However, it is still good practice to assess and minimise any risks associated with such a journey.
You do not have to carry out a risk assessment before every outing, providing there is one in place for that type of outing. Each
type of outing will carry its own particular risks and you must assess the risks and hazards that may arise and the steps to be taken
to remove, minimise and manage them.
As with risks to the environment, it is for you to judge whether these risk assessments should be in writing and how often they need
to be reviewed and updated. How you decide on what needs to be written, what needs to be checked and how often it is reviewed
is very much up to you but you may wish to take into account:
 the type of outing and how regularly you carry it out – a regular trip to the local park or shops needs a risk assessment
before you make such an outing for the first time, but thereafter you need only consider the risks for the outing and your
measures to counteract them, such as your arrangements for first aid and how to contact the children’s parents; a one-off
outing, such as a trip to the beach for the day, will have different risks and will need its own risk assessment
 the adults accompanying the children and whether these are the same for each outing or change regularly
 the type of activity or activities involved, for example more adults may be needed to supervise a swimming activity than a
walk round a nearby field
 the ages of the children on the outing and how children of different ages may change any associated risks
 the time of the day of the outing and whether this changes the risks, for example traffic levels during the rush hour.
Inspecting risk assessments
Inspectors will always consider whether the procedures you have in place are sufficient to reduce or eliminate risks, through
discussions with the childminder or in group settings with the manager and staff, and through a tour of the premises. Inspectors
may ask to see your policy or any recorded assessments, especially where they identify risks associated with your premises, or
where we have received information related to the safety of the premises that prompts an inspection. Childminders do not need to
have a written policy but must still be able to demonstrate to inspectors how they identify and manage the risks associated with
their provision and any outings they undertake.
You are most likely to be judged as inadequate if you are not able to demonstrate that you understand and manage risks well,
regardless of whether or not you record these. You cannot be judged as outstanding or good if you fail to meet the legal
requirements for risk assessments. We will always raise an action, or take other enforcement action, where the legal requirements
for risk assessments are not met.
More information
You may find the following documents helpful:
Statutory
framework
for
the
Early
Years
Foundation
Stage,
Department
www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/curriculum/a0068102/early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs
Conducting early years inspections, Ofsted, 2012;
www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/120087
Evaluation schedule for inspections of registered early years provision, Ofsted, 2012;
www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/120086
for
Education,
2012;
Risk Assessment Examples
Risk Assessment
Outings: Walk
Facts to reflect on
How far is the walk and are all the
children able to walk that far?
Have I got suitable equipment?
Buggy/double buggy with harnesses
Reigns, Wrist straps
Is it in good condition?
Do the children understand that they
need to hold on to the pushchair and to
stay close to me?
Do the children understand Road
Safety code of behaviour?
Have I talk to the children about
stranger danger?
Have I got the following with me?
First Aid kit
Emergency contact details of the
children
Mobile phone
Have I made provision for a change in
the weather?
(Rain etc)
What is already in place to control it?
What else do I need to change or
implement?
GARDEN CENTRES
Area of Potential Hazard
Risks
How can risk be controlled?
Poisonous plans
Poisoning, sickness
Vigilance and close supervision.
Wash hands after touching plants
Cactus’ in greenhouse
Very sharp thorns
Very hot greenhouse
Dehydration
Vigilance and close supervision when
close to these type of plants
Remove coats on entry
Gardening tools and equipment
Shoppers trolleys or baskets
Slippery surfaces
Minor or major injuries
Trips or falls, trapped fingers
Children falling on water left after
plants have been watered
Drowning
Falling in
Children touch them and then put
hands in mouth
Losing child
Vigilance and close supervision
Vigilance and close supervision
Avoid if very slippery, or hold child’s
hand
Very close supervision. Use reins or
keep very young children in pushchair
Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap
Children can wear hi-viz waistcoats
and identity wristbands with my
mobile phone number inside
Play equipment
Falls
Minor injuries
Discarded hazardous items
Dog fowling
Broken glass, needles, discarded
alcohol
Touching or slipping on
Ensure equipment is suitable for age
and capabilities of child
Vigilance and close supervision
Vigilance
Dogs
Bites
Ponds and water features
Slugs, snails, worms & other mini
beasts
Children running to another area
without being noticed
Avoid walking on grass verges
Check play area for mess
Avoid close contact with any dogs
How can children be involved in
controlling the risk?
Alert children to the dangers
Show children how prickly the cactus’
Explain that it is very hot in the
greenhouse because the plants are
originally from very hot countries
Alert children to the dangers
Alert children to the dangers
Explain how water has made the path
slippery so we need to take extra care
Talk about water safety. Read Water
Safety book before visit
Explain that we need to wash our
hands if we touch garden creatures
Remind children that they need to
stay close to me at all times and that
we must all stay together.
Talk to the children about what to do if
they get lost.
Explain that they need to be careful
when climbing high
Tell them to let me know if they see
anything that shouldn’t be there
Children are advised not to touch any
dog mess on pavements. Wash
hands thoroughly if they do come in
contact with mess
Children are advised not to stroke
dogs whilst out
RISK ASSESSMENT
SCHOOL / PRE-SCHOOL PICK UP (Walking from car to school)
Area of Potential Hazard
Risks
Exiting car
Busy road, children not staying on
pavement
Slippery walkway to school
Wet path causing child to slip
Children picking up sticks
Minor / major injuries to self or
other children.
Broken glass, needles, discarded
alcohol
Losing sight of children
Discarded hazardous items on
footpath
Crowded playground
How can risk be controlled?
Vigilance. Take children who are to
go in pushchair out of car first and
strap them in, then take other child
out of car.
Place child in pushchair, hold
child’s hand / weir reins
Vigilance. Tell children to discard
large sticks
Vigilance
Toddlers wear reins/wrist straps;
place children in pushchair
How can children be involved in
controlling the risk?
Explain why walking child(ren) need
to stay on the pavement
Advise children that the path is
slippery so we need to take care
Alert children to the dangers
Tell them to let me know if they see
anything that shouldn’t be there
Use age-appropriate language to
talk about staying close to me /
stranger danger
Door to school / pre-school
Trapped fingers
Injury if door opens unexpectedly
Make sure children stand back from
doors
Explain the dangers
Play equipment in playground
Falls, minor injuries
Explain that they need to be careful
on equipment
Dog fowling on walkway to
school
Touching or falling in
Ensure equipment is suitable for
age and capabilities of child
Close supervision
Avoid walking on grass verges
Check play area for mess
Dogs waiting outside school
gate
Bites
Avoid close contact with any dogs
Children are advised not to touch
any dog mess on pavements.
Wash hands thoroughly if they do
come in contact with mess
Children are advised not to stroke
dogs whilst out
RISK ASSESSMENT
TODDLER GROUPS
Area of Potential Hazard
Risks
How can risk be controlled?
Exit / Entrance of toddler group
Children exiting play area without
being noticed
Vigilance. Put young children in
pushchair before exiting.
Equipment
Children falling/minor injuries on
equipment
Other children’s behaviour
Hitting, biting and pushing
Ensure children play with
equipment designed for their age
and development. Supervise play
Vigilance
Hot drinks
Scolds
Unhygienic equipment
Bodily fluids on equipment/floor
Only drinking water/fruit juice.
Sitting away from others who have
hot drinks
Vigilance. Cleaning area.
Wet floor
Drinks spilt at snack time
Vigilance. Wiping up any spills
Nappy changing - trying to
change 1 child in a small room
with 2 other children
Children turning on hot taps, putting
hands in toilet
Put 2 toddlers in pushchair next to
toilet door (still in sight) whilst
changing baby
How can children be involved in
controlling the risk?
Remind the children not to go
through exit door without me.
Children to wear identity wristbands
Explain which toys are for them to
play with and which are for older
children
Ask children to come and tell me if
they have been hurt by another
child
Warn children that they need to be
very careful near adults with a hot
drink
Ask children to come and tell me if
they see any mess on the
equipment/floor
Ask children to give their cups to
me when they have finished. Tell
them to look out for spilt drinks
Explain that it is not safe for us all
to be in the toilet room
RISK ASSESSMENT
MACCLESFIELD LIBRARY
Area of Potential Hazard
Exit / Entrance of library
Staircase to second floor
Risks
Children exiting library without
being noticed
Electric door and barrier
Children falling down stairs
How can risk be controlled?
Vigilance. Put young children in
pushchair before exiting.
Other children’s behaviour
(Story time)
Hitting, biting and pushing
Close supervision. Hold banister
and children’s hand when climbing
stairs, or use lift if more than one
child with me.
Vigilance
Tripping hazards
Books, pushchairs, children’s toys
Vigilance
Nappy changing - trying to
change 1 child in a small room
with 2 other children
Children turning on hot taps, putting
hands in toilet
Put 2 toddlers in pushchair next to
toilet door whilst changing baby
How can children be involved in
controlling the risk?
Remind the children not to go near
exit without me. Children to wear
identity wristbands
Alert children to dangers
Ask children to come and tell me if
they have been hurt by another
child
Remind children that we need to
walk not run around the library
Explain that they need to be a
pushchair whilst I quickly change a
nappy
RISK ASSESSMENT
PARKS / PLAYGROUNDS
Area of Potential Hazard
Risks
How can risk be controlled?
How can children be involved in
controlling the risk?
Use age-appropriate language to
talk about staying close to me /
stranger danger
Crowded play area
Losing sight of children
Children can wear hi-visibility
waistcoats
Hot weather
Sun burn
Dehydration
Apply sun cream, wear a hat
Take drinking water with us
Talk about the dangers of the sun &
needing water
Slippery equipment
Children falling on slippery
equipment e.g. wooden beams
Avoid if very slippery, or hold child’s
hand across beams
Muddy surfaces
Slipping
Dirt on hands / face
Play equipment
Falls
Dog fowling
Touching or falling in
Avoid very muddy areas
Wearing all-in-one suits
Toddlers wearing reins / holding
hands
Ensure equipment is suitable for
age and capabilities of child
Vigilance
Avoid walking on grass verges
Check play area for mess
Explain how rain has made the
equipment slippery so we need to
take extra care
Explain how rain has made the
ground slippery so we need to take
extra care
Dogs
Bites
Avoid close contact with any dogs
Water (Pond/ lake)
Drowning
Falling in
Very close supervision. Use reins
or keep very young children in
pushchair
Explain that they need to be careful
when climbing high
Children are advised not to touch
any dog mess on pavements.
Wash hands thoroughly if they do
come in contact with mess
Children are advised not to stroke
dogs whilst out
Talk about water safety. Read
Water Safety book before visit
RISK ASSESSMENT
SOFT PLAY AREAS
Area of Potential Hazard
Risks
How can risk be controlled?
Crowded play area
Losing sight of children
Children can wear hi-visibility
waistcoats
Exit / Entrance of play area
Children exiting play area without
being noticed
Check that exit is gated; if it isn’t
then be extra vigilant
Equipment
Children falling/minor injuries on
equipment
Other children’s behaviour
Hitting, biting and pushing
Ensure children play on equipment
designed for their age and
development. Supervise play
Vigilance
Hot drinks
Scolds
Unhygienic equipment
Bodily fluids on equipment
Only drinking water/fruit juice.
Sitting away from others who have
hot drinks
Vigilance
How can children be involved in
controlling the risk?
Use age-appropriate language to
talk about staying where they can
see me
Remind the children not to go
through exit door without me.
Children to wear hi-viz vests and
identity wristbands
Explain which areas are for them to
play in and which are for older
children
Ask children to come and tell me if
they have been hurt by another
child
Warn children that they need to be
very careful near adults with a hot
drink
Ask children to come and tell me if
they see any mess on the
equipment
RISK ASSESSMENT
SWIMMING
Area of Potential Hazard
Risks
How can risk be controlled?
Exit / Entrance to Leisure
Centre
Electric doors, open automatically
Vigilance. Hold hands or place
child in pushchair or on reins before
exiting.
Vigilance. Look out for wet patches
on floor.
Changing room
Child may climb on benches, slip
on floor or get lost
Maintenance room
Vigilance. Alert staff.
Other children’s behaviour
Pool and cleaning chemicals stored
within
Splashing
Poolside
Slipping on wet floor
Telling children not to run
Drowning
Sinking below surface without being
seen
Hot drinks in cafe
Scolds
Nappy changing
Child turning on hot taps
Child putting hands in toilet/sanitary
bin
Vigilance. Only take one child
swimming. Child to wear arm
bands or swim jacket at all times
Only drinking water/fruit juice.
Sitting away from others who have
hot drinks
Vigilance. Use designated
changing area.
Avoid busy swim sessions
How can children be involved in
controlling the risk?
Remind child that there is a busy
road outside and they must stay
next to me
Explain that they need to stay
where I can see them. Explain that
they should not climb on benches
Explain that they should stay close
to my side at all times
Tell them not to splash other
children or they may be splashed
back
Look at poster on poolside which
has a picture diagram explaining
why children should not run
Explain that children need to wear
swimming aids at all times
Warn children that they need to be
very careful near adults with a hot
drink
Explain how hot water can hurt our
hands and that the toilet is not for
putting our hands in
SHOPPING
Area of Potential Hazard
Risks
How can risk be controlled?
Entrance/exit
Tapped fingers in doors.
Minor or major injuries in automatic doors.
Vigilance
Crowds
Abduction
Products/produce displayed/on sale
Vigilance, take pushchair into shop & remain
with it, keep children close
Losing child
Use reins or wrist straps. Keep small children
in pushchair / trolley
Inappropriate material:
pornographic/violence portrayed
Avoid shop
Vigilance
Dangerous substances: medication, pest
control, glue, matches
Choking hazard
Close supervision
How can children be involved in controlling the
risk?
Alert children to dangers
Give children age appropriate ‘Stranger
danger’ guidance
Children reminded to stay next to me, hold
hand/pushchair, babies to remain in pushchair
Remind children not to touch items in shops
unless we are going to buy them & I have
agreed
Remind children to stay close to me (not to run
in shop)
Vigilance
Tripping/slipping hazard
Distraction from one child’s inappropriate
behaviour putting safety of other children at
risk
Dealing with child’s inappropriate behaviour
could mean I am distracted from ensuring the
safety of all of the children in my care
Other shoppers
Children being knocked over, hit by
baskets/bags
Behaviour management techniques
Ensure close supervision at all times
Vigilance
Remind children to watch out
Close supervision
Plastic bags
Suffocation
Tripping/slipping hazard
Make the shopping trip interesting for them
e.g. take a lotto board and mark off items
required. Encourage children to choose some
items. Link to current theme/ interest
Health and Safety Policy
The Health and Safety of your child is very important to me and I have therefore documented the following procedures that I have in
place to support this.
All toys will be checked and cleaned regularly to ensure they are safe for your child to use. Any broken or hazardous toys will
be removed immediately. Children will only be offered toys and resources that are suitable for their age/stage of
development
I do a quick risk assessment of my home every morning before the children arrive to ensure that it is a safe environment for
minded children
All plug sockets not in use have socket covers
All equipment will be checked and cleaned regularly. All equipment is fitted with the correct safety harnesses to prevent
accidents, for example highchair and pushchairs.
Car seats are checked regularly to ensure they are correctly fitted. If necessary I will get them checked.
My car is regularly serviced and MOT. I keep the safety locks on the back doors working. My car insurance is for Business
use.
I use safety equipment appropriate for the children in my care, ie stair gates, cupboard locks etc. These are checked
regularly.
I will keep my front door locked with the keys on a hook up high to prevent the children opening the door to strangers.
I have procedures in place in the event of a fire
I keep my kitchen very clean, following hygiene guidelines on the storing of food, keeping the fridge at the correct
temperature etc
I ensure that the children do not have access to any waste, the bins are emptied daily and any used nappies are double
wrapped and placed in the outdoor rubbish bin.
I do not permit smoking in my home
I follow strict hygiene guidelines to prevent contamination
I have strict Child protection guidelines in place
Children must stay with me when we are away from the home. Younger child will be strapped in a pushchair, older children
will either be on a harness or wrist strap, or holding onto my hand/pushchair.
I have emergency contact details with me at all times should I need to contact the parents.
I will work with you to teach the children about safety issues like crossing the road and stranger danger.
I will work with you to teach the children about making healthy food choices and physical exercise.
Children will be regularly monitored whilst sleeping. I use a baby monitor as well
I will restrain a child if they are putting themselves or others in danger, for example running into a road.
If you have any concerns regarding the health and safety of your child please discuss them with me.
Blank Forms
Risk Assessment
Activity:
Facts to reflect on
What do I already have in place to
control it?
What do I need to change or implement?
RISK ASSESSMENT
(Activity)
Area of Potential Hazard
Risks
How can risk be controlled?
How can children be involved in controlling the
risk?
Room
All Rooms
Electric sockets
House plants
Windows and Low level
glass
Cords on blinds and
curtains
Trailing wire and cables
Flooring
Heating/Ventilation
Other
House Risk Assessment
Risk
Entrance/Hall
Front door
Stairs and banisters
Shoes
Meter cupboard
Smoke Alarm
Other
Reception Room/Lounge/Dinning Room
Table cloths
Alcohol
Hot drinks
Fire Heaters
Harness on highchair
Other
Kitchen
Actions
Knives and sharp
utensils
Cooker
Dangerous substances
(cleaning products)
Hot surfaces
Kettle
Toaster
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Fire Blanket
Fridge (food correctly
stored, in date etc)
Pets bowls, litter tray
etc.
Other
Bathroom/toilet
Medicines
First Aid
Toilet brush
Temperature of water
Cleaning materials
Locks on doors
Others
Bedrooms
Safe bedding/cots
Radiators
Cupboards
Locks on doors
Garden
Gates and fences
Surfaces
Play equipment
Water (ponds, drains,
and butts)
Paddling pools
Sand pits
Out buildings (sheds)
Greenhouse
Tools, equipment
Washing lines
Plants
Animal faeces
Other