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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask to see risk assessment

33 replies

roseblossom75 · 05/07/2018 13:06

Regarding a school trip.
My child has SEN and this is the first school trip for him.
my anxiety is going through the roof as I just keep thinking of all the things that could go wrong.
They have said he will be on one-to-one (which I'm thankful for) and I trust the staff 100%, but there is something that just makes me feel anxious (biggest fear is him wandering off as the venue has a huge play area which is quite "open" and due to his disability he has no danger awareness).
I know I'm being over anxious and I would never stop him from doing something like this (I have filled the forms in etc) but I'm wondering if I would be able to ask to see the risk assessment for the trip (or would this be too extreme of me).

OP posts:
Lindah1 · 05/07/2018 13:09

By law there has to be a risk assessment .... I couldn't see there being a problem with you asking to look at it

PitterPatterOfBigFeet · 05/07/2018 13:10

I think it's fine to ask as long as you pose the question as you did above - making it clear you trust the staff and you're just asking to calm your anxieties.

BossPeeBeePee · 05/07/2018 13:10

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LeighaJ · 05/07/2018 13:13

I don't see a problem with asking but you may fall asleep trying to read it, they're not exactly page turners.

BounceAndClimb · 05/07/2018 13:13

Theres no harm in asking, they'll have to do one anyway and it will allow you to raise something that's concerning you if its not on there.
I hope you manage to relax a bit when it comes to the day.

BounceAndClimb · 05/07/2018 13:16

Boss have you seen one before?
I don't see how a risk assessment couldn't be understood unless we're talking a company with specialised equipment that you didn't know the name of for example.

KateGrey · 05/07/2018 13:18

My ds has Sen and I’ve been involved in his risk assessments though he’s not allowed to go on a trip unless I go with him. My ds has a metal disk that can go on his zip. It’s very small but has his name, my number and the fact that he’s autistic on it. Try not to worry but I do understand. I have a wanderer

PolkerrisBeach · 05/07/2018 13:19

If other children are named then they could well refuse for confidentiality.

For example "An extra carer will have to be taken for Ruby who has type 1 diabetes" or "Susan's mobility issues will mean we will be using bus rather than walking".

just ask to speak to the teacher and have an informal chat, ask her to put your mind at rest.

Coloursthatweremyjoy · 05/07/2018 13:20

You can see it, it should be available to you. I would ask if they have risk assessed your child specifically. My son has SN and had a personal risk assessment when he went on a trip. It put my mind at rest.

It's also absolutely fine to pop in and see the teacher and say "look I'm worried about him wandering off..." I'm sure they would be happy to put your mind at rest.

Coloursthatweremyjoy · 05/07/2018 13:23

If other children's names are on the assessment (they might use initials) they can obscure them for you. It's quite easy.

It's really not a big deal for you to see it. All of mine are available for parents to see anytime. (Except personal ones which are need to know only).

JennyBlueWren · 05/07/2018 13:24

As a teacher I wouldn't mind you asking to see it or better yet to talk through your concerns. The risk assessment will probably say something along the lines of risk being children wandering off due to unenclosed play area. Steps taken to minimise: remind children of boundaries, supervise with appropriate ratio and x y z to be closely supervised 1-1.

DS is on his first nursery trip today and I had a quick chat to his key worker about strategies if he's upset etc. I knew they'd know what they are doing but it is nice to hear it too.

Celticlassie · 05/07/2018 13:33

Remember though that 'the risk assessment' is only a small part of the overall task of risk assessment. The piece of paper is not the important part - it's whether you trust the staff to be constantly assessing risk and acting on it, particularly in relation to your son. Anyone can write a 'risk assessment'.

BossPeeBeePee · 05/07/2018 13:53

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Pengggwn · 05/07/2018 13:58

I don't think they would be obligated to show it to you, but you could ask.

NotTakenUsername · 05/07/2018 14:02

Not meaning to be rude, but will you understand it if you do see it??

Shock

I mean the whole point is to clearly assess risk and outline precautions in place to minimise risk to a reasonable level.

Are you sure you are doing them right?

Sirzy · 05/07/2018 14:05

Better would be to sit and have a proper conversation with the teacher and then you can highlight your concerns and discuss what is needed.

Camomila · 05/07/2018 14:06

I don't think they'd mind showing you. DS went on his first nursery trip this week and on the email they sent about hats/wellies/suncream they said to email if you wanted to see a copy of the risk assessment. They know parents worry.

Glumglowworm · 05/07/2018 14:13

YANBU

Explain that you trust them but due to DS’s disabilities you’re more anxious than most about risks that affect him more than others. I’m sure they’ll be happy to reassure you and probably happy to show you the risk assessment (with any identifying info about other children removed or hidden)

BossPeeBeePee · 05/07/2018 14:55

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NotTakenUsername · 05/07/2018 15:05

Not meaning to be rude, but will you understand it if you do see it??

Some people are thick as mince though....

I mean, that’s pretty damn rude to be fair!!

Yokatsu · 05/07/2018 15:07

I'm not sure the risk assessment is going to help....

No one will care for your child the same way you do. Their approach may be similar or different. Either way that wont automatically make it wrong. But it might mean the risk assessment doesn't give you the reassurance you are after.

Is your anxiety real and proportional? If there is specific circumstances that concern you, what are the schools response, is the response reasonable and proportional.

Do you trust them to do their best? It might go right it might go wrong, but do you trust them to do their best.

The value to you and your child of showing (well placed) trust in someone else,'s shouldnt be underestimated. Even when it's hard.

Cantchooseaname · 05/07/2018 15:14

Just to add, on top of the great advice to chat to the teacher, have you met/ do you know his 1-1? I have led many, many trips with kids with SEN. The person tasked with being his 1-1 will be hyper aware of that responsibility (if they are good). I have never been blasé about taking pupils places, but recognise the benefits to be gained from the experiences.
I would get the brightest colour hat you can find (if he wears one) to aid the easy identification!
Tough one for you to do- but teachers have mortgages/ bills to pay and can’t afford to mess up their job!

Shednik · 05/07/2018 19:30

I requested the RA for my child'S school trip (medical needs) because I genuinely was concerned about the provision for her needs.

Typhers · 05/07/2018 19:42

You already know what the risks could be, I’m not sure reading the risk assessment will help your anxiety. Just grin and bare it and let them go...

And that’s coming from an extremely anxious parent that doesn’t trust anyone to look after their kids to the same level I would 😄

OiWhoTookTheGoodNames · 05/07/2018 19:49

Odds are the venue will have a generic risk assessment somewhere in it's "oooh come do your school trip with us" section of the website that might put your mind at rest somewhat.

Other than that just go ask them!