A: Under Regulations 101–102D, approved providers and educators must conduct risk assessments for activities that may pose risks to children’s health, safety, or well-being.
What the Regulations Say
| Required Risk Assessment | Regulation Reference | Example Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Excursions (including regular outings) | Reg 101 & 102 | Bushwalks, library visits, park play |
| Transportation of children | Reg 102B & 102C | Centre bus, walking groups, carpooling |
| Water-based activities | Reg 168 (QA2) | Water play, pools, beach visits |
| High-risk play environments | QA2 guidance | Climbing structures, loose parts play |
| Use of animals in the program | QA2 guidance | Petting zoo, classroom pets |
| DIY or recycled materials | QA2 & QA3 | Homemade water play setups, repurposed furniture |
| Events involving visitors or large groups | QA2 & QA4 | Grandparents Day, community celebrations |
| Changes to physical environment | QA3 | Renovations, new equipment installation |
Examples of Risk Assessments
Risk assessments help educators identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and implement control measures to protect children, staff, and families. Below is a categorized list of common risk assessment areas, with practical examples for each.
Excursions & Transportation
Required under Regulations 100–102
- Local park visits: Assess traffic risks, supervision ratios, and emergency procedures
- Library or community centre trips: Check accessibility, stranger interactions, and group movement
- Regular outings: Must be reassessed every 12 months
- Centre bus or walking groups: Include headcounts, seatbelt checks, and route safety
Water-Based Activities
Required under QA2 and Regulation 168
- Water play stations: Slipping hazards, hygiene, supervision
- Beach or pool visits: Drowning risk, sun exposure, qualified supervision
- DIY water troughs: Stability, contamination, choking risks
Animals in the Program
Recommended under QA2
- Petting zoo incursions: Allergies, bites, hygiene protocols
- Classroom pets: Feeding routines, child interaction boundaries
- Wildlife visits: Risk of unpredictable behavior or disease
Physical Environment Changes
Required under QA3
- Renovations or new equipment: Dust, noise, access restrictions
- Loose parts play areas: Sharp edges, choking, supervision
- Outdoor upgrades: Uneven surfaces, fencing, tool storage
Events & Visitors
Recommended under QA2 and QA4
- Grandparents Day or cultural celebrations: Crowd control, unfamiliar adults, emotional safety
- Community helpers (e.g., firefighters): Vehicle safety, child excitement regulation
- Open days or fundraisers: Entry/exit protocols, supervision ratios
Hazardous Materials & Cleaning
Required under QA2
- Cleaning products: Storage, labeling, child access
- Art supplies: Non-toxic verification, spill management
- Gardening chemicals: Safe handling, PPE, locked storage
Health & Hygiene
Required under QA2
- Food preparation and allergies: Cross-contamination, dietary restrictions
- Illness outbreaks: Isolation procedures, parent notification
- Nappy changing and toileting: Infection control, supervision
Emergency Preparedness
Required under Regulation 168
- Fire drills and evacuations: Route safety, child anxiety, headcounts
- Lockdowns or shelter-in-place: Communication, emotional reassurance
- Natural disasters (e.g., floods): Local risk mapping, family contact plans
Risk assessments are about protecting relationships, routines, and emotional safety. When done collaboratively and symbolically, they become rituals of care that uphold the dignity and well-being of every child, educator, and family.
Further Reading
Risk Assessments In Early Learning Services
References:
ACECQA Starting Out Safely kidsandtraffic.mq.edu.au