Nursery World - Safe enough

Taking risks is an necessary part of learning independence. Jennie Lindon looks at assessing the dangers with parents Young children like making dens, climbing into boxes or up planks, and they need adventures. However, early years, school and out-of-school practitioners now work in a social atmosphere that has become very anxious about what could go wrong - and who will be blamed. Everyone who is part of raising the next generation will know that the overriding objective for childhood is that children emerge as confident and competent adults.

Young children like making dens, climbing into boxes or up planks, and they need adventures. However, early years, school and out-of-school practitioners now work in a social atmosphere that has become very anxious about what could go wrong - and who will be blamed. Everyone who is part of raising the next generation will know that the overriding objective for childhood is that children emerge as confident and competent adults.

Children cannot learn skills and apply them safely if their important adults are forever saying, 'No, you'll hurt yourself'. Children cannot begin to assess risk by themselves if the most minor excitements are removed 'just in case'.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included