5 Examples Of Risk Assessments For Early Childhood Services

The following article provides 5 examples of risk assessments tailored for early childhood services, including Local Park Excursion, Art & Sensory Play, Loose Parts Construction Zone Risk Assessment, Fire Drill & Emergency Evacuation, and Dramatic Play with Costumes & Props, and more.

Local Park Excursion

Activity: Regular outing to community park
Date of Assessment: 22 October 2025
Assessed by: Educational Leader & Room Educators
Review Date: 22 October 2026

Purpose of Activity

To foster outdoor exploration, gross motor development, and community connection through nature-based play.

Identified Hazards & Risks

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Control Measures
Traffic near park entrance	Child injury or separation	Medium	High	Use high-vis vests, hold hands, and position the educator at the crossing.
Uneven terrain	Trips and falls	High	Medium	Pre-walk inspection, closed-toe shoes, supervision
Stranger interaction	Safety breach	Low	High	Maintain 1:4 ratio, use name tags, no unsupervised contact
Allergies (grass, insects)	Rash, anaphylaxis	Medium	High	Check medical plans, carry EpiPens, avoid known triggers
Toileting needs	Accidents or distress	Medium	Low	Portable toilet access, spare clothes, emotional reassurance
Weather changes	Sunburn, dehydration	Medium	Medium	Hats, sunscreen, water bottles, shade breaks

Emotional Safety Considerations

Prepare children with a visual social story about the outing
Use symbolic rituals (e.g., “Adventure Stones” or “Park Pals” tokens) to foster belonging
Offer calm-down kits for children who feel overwhelmed during transitions

Equipment & Resources

First aid kit
Emergency contact list
Mobile phone
High-visibility vests
Water bottles and snacks
Visual checklist for children

Supervision & Staffing

3 educators attending
Ratio: 1 educator per 4 children
All staff briefed on emergency procedures and child-specific needs

Approval & Sign-Off

Approved by: Nominated Supervisor
Date: 20 October 2025
Notes: Risk assessment to be reviewed annually or after any incident

Art & Sensory Play Risk Assessment

Finger painting and sensory trays (e.g., rice, slime, shaving foam)

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Control Measures
Ingestion of materials	Choking, illness	Medium	Medium	Use taste-safe, non-toxic materials; active supervision; clear visual boundaries for edible vs. non-edible items
Allergic reactions	Rash, anaphylaxis	Low	High	Display ingredient list; check allergy plans; avoid known triggers, and have EpiPens and first aid ready
Slippery surfaces	Falls, injury	Medium	Medium	Use non-slip mats; clean spills immediately, and supervise transitions between wet and dry zones
Overstimulation	Emotional distress	Medium	Low	Offer opt-out stations, provide quiet space nearby, and use visual emotion cards to support self-regulation

Loose Parts Construction Zone Risk Assessment

Outdoor area with recycled materials (e.g., crates, pipes, tyres) for open-ended play

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Control Measures
Sharp edges or splinters	Cuts, infection	Medium	Medium	Inspect materials daily; sand rough surfaces, and rotate items regularly
Unstable stacking	Falling objects, injury	High	Medium	Limit stacking height; model safe building, and use soft or lightweight items
Heavy lifting	Strain or dropped items	Medium	Low	Encourage teamwork, provide guidance on lifting, and avoid oversized or heavy parts
Unsafe combinations	Entrapment or tipping	Medium	Medium	Supervise closely; co-create “builder’s rules” with children; remove unstable setups promptly

Fire Drill & Emergency Evacuation Risk Assessment

Scheduled fire drill

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Control Measures
Panic during alarm	Emotional distress	High	Low	Use social stories and visual cues; rehearse calmly; offer reassurance post-drill
Tripping during evacuation	Injury	Medium	Medium	Clear evacuation paths; use rope rings or buddy systems; practice walking slowly
Separation from group	Lost child	Low	High	Assign lead and rear educators; conduct headcounts before and after; use visual identifiers (e.g., vests)
Weather exposure	Sunburn, cold	Medium	Low	Prepare hats and jackets; shorten drill duration; use shaded or sheltered assembly points

Dramatic Play with Costumes & Props Risk Assessment

Dress-up corner with hats, scarves, pretend tools

Hazard	Potential Risk	Likelihood	Severity	Control Measures
Long fabrics or scarves	Tripping, entanglement	Medium	Medium	Limit length of costumes; supervise dressing; use Velcro instead of ties
Small props or accessories	Choking hazard	Low	High	Use age-appropriate items; inspect regularly; store small items out of toddler reach
Role confusion or rough play	Emotional upset	Medium	Low	Set play agreements; use emotion cards and mirrors for reflection; offer adult-guided roleplay
Hygiene concerns	Illness spread	Medium	Medium	Wash costumes weekly; rotate props; encourage handwashing before and after play

Please note:

These risk assessments are intended as a guideline only for informational purposes. It does not replace your service’s legal obligations under the Education and Care Services National Regulations or ACECQA requirements. Always tailor risk assessments to your specific context, consult your regulatory authority when needed, and ensure documentation reflects current practices, staffing, and child needs.