"Assessment of Risk" for children's group - anyone know about this?

[FrannytheQuinoaEater]

I run a toddler activity group and am extending my insurance to include some new things. On the form it asks if I have a "written Assessment of Risk?"

How do I go about this, please? I'm grateful for any help.

You need to basically write a report saying things like (and i'm using examples from my own childminding risk assessment)

There is a starigate at the top/bottom of stairs to prevent children from climbing them
There are socket covers on all electric sockets.
The windows have locks, but can be opened by an adult in an emergency.
There is a fire extenguisher/alarm/blanket
There is a fire evacutaion plan in place
Any outdoor facilites are safe ie gates closed, nothing too high, children supervised at all times when on equip[ment.

Something like that should help.

Oh thanks saltire, do you know anywhere I could get guidelines on what needs to be in it?

Is it a toddler group, where parents go and stay with the children, o is it a playgroup, where they leave the children? If it's the latter, then OFSTED/Care Commission should be able to help.
If you are a mums and toddlers group, then i've just had a wee look on the internet and if you go on google, type in"risk assesment for playgroups" (making sure you click UK NLY) it gives you a link to an few sites which should help, you can then adjust your assesment to suit your requirements. let me know how you get on. Hope this is clear?

Sometimes called Risk Assessments, Ofsted should help.

Usually just writing down and documenting very obvious stuff!

Thanks saltire and clayhead, it is not your standard parent and toddler group, more of a music and movement group, with craft activities etc. The parents stay at all times. I will follow up your suggestions and get back to you if I get stuck, is that ok?

HSE link

Yes , if you need to get back in touch. Most of it is just common sense.

Thank you both so much, this is great. I am presuming completing the Risk Assessment will bring my premium down so you have no doubt saved me a bob or two, thanks

Yes - just highlight the hazards (anything with the potential to cause harm) and then state what you have in place to prevent people from getting hurt from that particular hazard - as with Saltires post