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