Tim Gill, former director of the Children's Play Council, says in NoFear: Growing up in a risk-averse society that childhood is beingundermined by increased intrusion into children's lives. In his book,published this week by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, he urgeschildcare professionals at all levels to allow children more freedom andto support their colleagues in the attempt.
Mr Gill said, 'Some parents are more anxious than others, and a lot ofchildcarers feel pressure to do what the most risk-averse parent asksthem to do. But they need to be able to say to a worried parent, "I knowyou want us to take down this equipment because you feel it's too high,but it might not be the best thing".
'Staff will only do that if they feel they will get support higher upthe chain.'
He added, 'It's not about "anything goes", it's about having staff whocan make the right judgement of when and how to intervene. Sometimesthey should hold back and let children learn from their own experience.Part of their job is teaching children to look after themselves.'
His book considers the impact of over-protectiveness towards children'splay, adult vetting and the fear of strangers. It calls on theGovernment to promote more child-friendly communities.
Further information: www.gulbenkian.org.uk for a free download; copiescan also be ordered for 8.50 plus p&p at www.centralbooks.co.uk.
