Risky play in OOSH services is encouraged as a way to build children’s confidence, resilience, and risk-assessment skills, but it must be balanced with structured risk management and compliance practices.
What Risky Play Means in OOSH
- Risky play: Activities that involve manageable risks such as climbing, rough-and-tumble play, or exploring new environments.
- Developmental benefits: Builds independence, problem-solving, resilience, and physical competence.
- OOSH context: Services provide supervised environments before/after school and during holidays, where risky play can be integrated into excursions, outdoor play, and structured activities.
Risk Management in OOSH
- Risk assessment: OOSH educators are trained to evaluate both risks and benefits, ensuring children are not “wrapped in cotton wool.” The aim is to allow challenge while preventing serious harm.
- Excursion planning: Centres like Normanhurst OOSH publish detailed risk assessments for activities such as trampolining, VR, aquatics, and skate parks.
- Compliance: NSW Department of Education guidance stresses collaboration with schools to ensure safe spaces and policies that support children’s wellbeing.
Balancing Safety and Growth
| Risky Play Element | OOSH Application | Safety Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Play at heights | Climbing frames, tree play | Supervised zones, soft-fall surfaces |
| Play a t speed |
Running games, scooters | Clear boundaries, safe equipment |
| Dangerous tools | Craft with hammers, cooking | Age-appropriate tools, close supervision |
| Near dangerous elements | Water play, fire pits | Strict ratios, risk-benefit assessment |
| Rough-and-tumble | Sports, wrestling games | Rules for respect, educator oversight |
| Exploration | Excursions, nature walks | Pre-visit risk checks, emergency plans |
Challenges for OOSH Services
- Overprotective practices: Excessive supervision or removal of risky elements can hinder children’s growth.
- School collaboration: Principals’ support influences space allocation and the ability to provide diverse play opportunities.
- Community expectations: Parents may worry about safety, requiring clear communication about the benefits of risky play.
Actionable Recommendations for OOSH Providers
- Embed risk-benefit assessments in all play planning.
- Train educators to support—not restrict—children’s exploration.
- Communicate with families about the developmental importance of risk-taking.
- Collaborate with schools to secure appropriate spaces for adventurous play.
- Document excursions with detailed risk assessments to meet compliance standards.
Further Reading
Benefits Of Risk Play For Children
Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter – Risky Play Theorist
The Children’s Services Award introduces a streamlined classification system and updated pay rates designed to better recognise the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of early childhood
Children need safe and positive environments to learn and grow. To ensure this, services and educators need to ensure effective supervision at all times. The
Floorbook is a documentation approach that uses a large book with blank pages for children to record different aspects of their learning in small groups
In Norway and most other Scandinavian countries, children nap in the outdoors. According, to research outdoor sleeping not only promotes better daytime sleeping, but it
Nature programs in early childhood settings are a fantastic way to connect children with the natural world and promote holistic development. The following article provides
From 2026, every educator covered by the Children’s Services Award will move into a new, simplified classification structure. Instead of navigating 30 different levels, educators
Schemas are patterns of repeated behavior that allow children to explore and express developing ideas and thoughts through their play and exploration. The following article
The following article lists 30 art and craft descriptions and links to the EYLF. These can be used as a blurb, during observations, used for
Positive phrases play a crucial role in children's growth because they help nurture their emotional, social, and cognitive development. The following article lists 30 positive
The Education and Care Services National Regulations emphasise that children's individual needs, including sleep and rest, must be met. The overarching goal is to ensure
