Writing a risk assessment
The EYFS 2012 tells each childminder to decide for themselves whether risk assessments are written or done in their heads. It is important that you reflect on how you use risk assessments, their value in your day-to-day work, how they help you to focus on risks and keep children safe.
If you are going to write risk assessments, you will need to consider...
- Writing risk assessments for every room of the house including places children do not go, outside and outings;
- Putting the name of the person who wrote the RA on each risk assessment and dating your risk assessments;
- Stating on your risk assessments when you intend to update them (normally annually and as things change).
Ø Step 1 – Identify the hazards;
Ø Step 2 – Think about who might be harmed – you, the children, visitors etc;
Ø Step 3 – Evaluate the risk by deciding whether you need to do anything more to make the area safe;
Ø Step 4 – Write down what you have found;
Ø Step 5 – Make a note of who has done the assessment, the date and when you intend to review - it is good practice to diary this date, so you don’t forget.
So, the risk assessment is ... cooking with children;
The date is ... 12.3.09
The update date is ... March 2010;
The hazards are ... children getting burned; children falling; wet floors; raw ingredients being eaten; children sneezing into food... etc;
Who might be harmed? – everyone in the house including children, adults and visitors;
Your evaluation might include – keeping mop handy; washing hands; teaching children about not eating raw ingredients; keeping children away from burners / using back burners;
How risky do you think it is? – on a scale of either 1 – 5 or high (H), medium (M) and low (L).
Do your risk assessments work? – yes or no.
To follow, I have included some ideas for things / areas / activities you might want to risk assess.
Note - my lists cannot show everything! You will have risk assessments exclusive to your home and the area where you live.