Top tips: Managed risk taking
Children are naturally curious and have an instinctive desire to explore, investigate, climb, test boundaries and challenge themselves. Opportunities to take managed risks are an important part of children’s learning and development, helping them to build confidence, resilience, problem-solving skills, physical competence and an understanding of how to keep themselves safe.
By providing children with opportunities to experience challenge while prioritising their safety and well-being, we are helping them develop the confidence, judgement and resilience they will need throughout their lives.
How to make managed risk opportunities early years
- Have a ‘can do’ approach and consider how an activity can be adapted to allow children to participate safely. Ask yourself, “How can this be done safely?”
- Trust children’s capabilities and give them opportunities to test their skills, make decisions and learn through experience while remaining close by to offer support if needed
- Encourage risk assessment skills by talking to children about what they notice with questions like:
- “What do you need to be careful of?”
- “How could you do that safely?”
- “What is your plan?”
- Allow time – children often need time to assess a situation, think through solutions and build confidence before attempting a challenge
- Support physical development by providing opportunities for climbing, balancing, jumping, carrying, lifting and navigating uneven surfaces
- Value outdoor learning where the environments naturally offer opportunities for risk taking through exploration, natural materials and physical play
- Use positive language and replace phrases such as, “Be careful!” with more specific guidance, for example:
- “Check where you’re putting your feet”
- “Make sure you have a firm grip”
- “Think about what might happen next”
- Recognise each unique child and be aware of different levels of confidence, experience and physical ability so you can tailor the support you provide
- Work in partnership with parents and help them understand the benefits of managed risk taking and how it supports children’s confidence, resilience, independence and safety awareness.
NDNA products to support you with these tips
Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.
- MyNDNA
- Tips
Similar Articles
Screentime for children – getting the balance right
Early years activity: Nature Rangers Role Play
