Don’t be afraid to let children run and climb
CHILDREN should be encouraged to play on park equipment because ‘risk is part of a proper childhood’, Ofsted’s Amanda Spielman will say.
In her speech in London today, she will urge nursery staff not to obsess too much about health and safety because it inhibits play and a child’s natural development.
It follows reports of schools and nurseries removing equipment and even trees from playgrounds because they put pupils at risk of falling or slipping.
Many nurseries fear they will lose marks in Ofsted inspections in the ‘safeguarding’ section if they do not eliminate even the tiniest of risks.
Mrs Spielman will say: ‘Of course we expect you to take risk seriously and to supervise children properly.
‘But equally, don’t take away the climbing frame in case someone falls or avoid journeys to the park for fear of crossing the road.
‘Some level of risk is part of a proper childhood. And without it, we stifle children’s natural inquisitiveness and their opportunities to learn.’