In preparing this strategy we have reviewed the management of risk and as a result have adopted the following position statement prepared by the Play Safety Forum.
The Play Safety Forum, a grouping of national agencies involved in play safety, has produced Managing Risk in Play Provision to support the work of those involved in play provision of any kind (for example play areas, playgrounds, adventure playgrounds, play centres and holiday play schemes). These include local authorities, voluntary organisations, play equipment manufacturers and inspection agencies.
The statement has relevance to other settings and environments in which children play, such as childcare provision, schools, parks and public open spaces. It will also be of interest to those involved in insurance and litigation in relation to play provision.
The statement has equal relevance to children and young people of all ages from 0 to 18, and it uses the term “children” to cover the whole age range. It focuses on physical injuries resulting from accidents. However, the overall approach, namely that a balance should be struck between risks and benefits, is also relevant to agencies concerned with other issues such as the personal safety of children.
The statement is in two forms: a summary and a full statement. The summary is set out below and the full statement is included as an appendix to this strategy.
The full statement has been accepted as the borough council’s position on managing risk in the context of play.
Children need and want to take risks when they play. Play provision aims to respond to these needs and wishes by offering children stimulating, challenging environments for exploring and developing their abilities. In doing this, play provision aims to manage the level of risk so that children are not exposed to unacceptable risks of death or serious injury.
