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Risk Assessment Policy

The Shades of the Life Oxford Digital Design and Visual Art Studio
Bright Future Innovators Camp & Mystery Missions Camp
Last Reviewed: 10. 05. 2025.
 

1. Introduction This Risk Assessment Policy outlines our approach to identifying, evaluating, and managing risks to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, staff, volunteers, and visitors at our camp. It complies with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations and aligns with best practice guidance for out-of-school and holiday provision.

2. Aims

  • To prevent accidents, injuries, and unsafe situations.

  • To ensure that all foreseeable risks are identified and managed appropriately.

  • To promote a culture of safety and risk awareness among staff and children.

  • To regularly review and update risk assessments.

3. Responsibilities

  • Camp Director / Health & Safety Lead: Overall responsibility for ensuring risk assessments are completed, reviewed, and acted upon.

  • All Staff and Volunteers: Responsible for following procedures, reporting hazards, and contributing to dynamic risk assessments.

4. Types of Risk Assessments

  • General Site Risk Assessment: Covers camp premises and facilities.

  • Activity-Specific Risk Assessments: Conducted for each activity (e.g., sports, crafts, outdoor play, off-site trips).

  • Individual Risk Assessments: For children with medical, behavioural, or SEND needs.

  • Dynamic Risk Assessments: Ongoing, real-time assessments made in response to changing conditions.

5. Risk Assessment Procedure

  1. Identify hazards (e.g., slips, trips, burns, allergic reactions, stranger danger).

  2. Determine who might be harmed and how (e.g., children, staff, visitors).

  3. Evaluate risks and decide on precautions (e.g., safety equipment, supervision, signage).

  4. Record findings using our standard risk assessment template.

  5. Implement control measures.

  6. Review and revise assessments regularly, especially after incidents, changes in environment, or new activities.

6. Control Measures

  • Safe ratios of staff to children

  • Regular site inspections

  • Equipment checks and maintenance

  • Emergency procedures and first aid provision

  • Staff training and supervision

  • Clear behavioural expectations and safeguarding protocols

7. Risk Assessment Record Keeping

  • All risk assessments are documented and stored securely.

  • They are available to staff, parents (on request), and inspectors.

  • All staff are briefed on key risks and control measures relevant to their role.

8. Review and Monitoring

  • Risk assessments are reviewed:

    • Annually as standard

    • Following any accident, incident, or near-miss

    • When introducing new activities or locations

  • Feedback from staff, children, and parents is considered in reviews.

9. Training

  • All staff receive training on risk awareness and risk assessment as part of their induction.

  • Ongoing CPD (Continuous Professional Development) supports understanding and application of health and safety principles.

10. Related Policies

  • Health & Safety Policy

  • Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

  • Behaviour Management Policy

  • First Aid and Medical Needs Policy

  • ​

Policy Review Date: 10. 05. 2025.
Next Review Due: 10. 05. 2026.
Policy Approved By: Gyongyi Domokos CEO

gyongyidomokos@theshadesofthelife.com I +44/(0)7380410465

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