Understanding Risk within Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings

1.1: Environmental situations that could pose risk, for example:

• Areas where hazards can occur (indoor/outdoor, gardens, dining area)
• Equipment/toys used in the setting
• Hoists and lifting equipment
• Moving and transferring objects and people
• Food preparation and storage of cleaning products
• Digital environments and online activities, for example, internet use, social media
• Consideration of cultural and individual needs when assessing environments

1.2: Risks, for example:

• physical health conditions affecting mobility or awareness
• emotional wellbeing, including anxiety or stress that may affect behaviour
• communication difficulties that may increase risk
• impact of individual backgrounds and experiences on risk perception.

2.1: Positive and negative aspects, for example:

• cutting and sticking activity:

1. negative risk: cuts from scissors, glue ingestion, eye contact
2. positive aspects: problem solving, creativity, developing fine motor skills

2.3: Assessing risk, for example:

• observations and environmental checks
• consultation with service users, carers, and professionals
• reviewing records and previous incidents
• considering individual needs and circumstances

2.4: Ways in which risk could be managed, for example:

• use of appropriate-sized and safe equipment, for example, children’s scissors, non-toxic glue
• supervision and support tailored to individual needs
• clear communication and guidance about safe behaviours
• regular review and update of risk assessments
• promoting digital safety measures, for example, internet filters, education about online risks

3.3: Measures that will minimise the risks identified without reducing the benefits, for example:

• providing appropriate supervision and support
• using safety equipment and protective clothing
• clear communication of rules and expectations
• tailoring support to individual abilities and needs