press navigator

Tam Baillie, Scotland’s Childrens Commissioner, who helped produce the
guidelines, said: œHow can a child learn to prevent or avoid accidents, and
become wiser in the process, if they’re not given the chance to take risks
and put their learning into practice?

œA risk-averse and bureaucratic environment, which leads to cotton wool kids,
breaches children’s rights and undermines healthy development.

A 2007 report by the commissioner, titled Playing it Safe, highlighted
children banned from swimming unless staff stood nearby with a rope, and
youngsters prevented from cycling without a risk assessment being conducted.

œProfessionals working in childcare and education don’t want to see young
people’s lives restricted in this way but fear of litigation has got in the
way, Mr Baillie concluded.

The guidance, titled Go Outdoors and produced by the commissioner and the
Scottish Institute for Residential Childcare (SIRC), calls on carers to
encourage appropriate risk-taking.

œComplex and repeated paper risk assessments for outdoor activities are not
needed by the Health and Safety Executive, while parental consent is also
not required for routine events.

An average of three deaths occur on school trips a year, compared with between
seven and 10 million adventure activity days, the guidance points out.

œWhile the death of any child is a tragedy, the fact is that accidental deaths
are highly unlikely, the report states.

œRisk assessment procedures appear to be the main block to spontaneity and
normality in activities.

œWhile practitioners should work to keep children and young people safe, this
need not be at the expense of a ‘normal’ life.

Jennifer Davidson, SIRC director, said: œThis guidance comes not a moment too
soon.

œAll children, but especially those in care, should be able to experience and
enjoy outdoor activities without staff fearing being blamed or even sued in
the case of something going wrong.

Liz Smith, Scottish Tory education spokesman, said: œWere in danger of
calling a halt to extra-curricular activities because of our litigious
society.

œIf we stop children taking part in these activities, were going to deny them
some of the life skills and lessons they need.

Adam Ingram, Scottish childrens minister, said outdoor play helps childrens
health and development, while also building their confidence and
self-esteem.