We know from a range of studies that the provision of risk-taking will challenge children and enable them to move their learning forward. Risk-taking is integral to enhancing children's physical development, and children being brought up in a 'risk averse' environment are likely to be unable to cope with the unpredictable nature of the real world. It is clear that risk-taking is hugely important to young children's learning.
What follows are two accounts of risk-taking in our schools.
Many early years settings focus on 'safe' activities that they know will not draw possible criticism from Ofsted, management or parents. This is a misplaced understanding of what constitutes effective practice in the early years. At Westminster-based Mary Paterson, however, we ensure risk-taking is not confined to 'allowing' a range of activities. Through our shared ethos, staff understand why children need to undertake challenges that will involve an element of risk.
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