Hazards & Risks

Risk v Benefit Analyses

We believe that, while there are risks that must be considered, there are also a wide range of potential benefits that can be gained by those involved. We also recognize that taking risks is an important part of learning and developing and we want to provide a safe and supportive environment in which children can learn about risks, challenges and personal safety. Consequently, we will use a risk/benefit analysis in our assessment of our site and activities.

On Site Risk Assessment Procedure

Forest School sites must be safe and easily accessible, so whenever possible we will visit and assess sites before activities take place. During our assessment we will seek to identify significant hazards and take action or precautions to reduce the risk to a safe level.  

There are five steps to risk assessment:

1. Look for the hazards, such as windblown trees or litter

2. Decide who might be harmed and how

3. Evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing precautions are adequate or whether more should be done

4. Record the findings

5. Review the assessment and revise if necessary