Managing risk in play provision: A position statement

The Play Safety Forum, a grouping of national agencies involved in play safety, has produced Managing Risk in Play Provision to support the work of those involved in play provision.

This statement about managing risk in play provision is written for those involved in play provision of any kind, for example: play areas, playgrounds, adventure playgrounds, play centres and holiday playschemes. These include local authorities, voluntary organisations, play equipment manufacturers and inspection agencies.

Summary statement
'Children need and want to take risks when they play. Play provision aims to respond to these needs and wishes by offering children stimulating, challenging environments for exploring and developing their abilities. In doing this, play provision aims to manage the level of risk so that children are not exposed to unacceptable risks of death or serious injury.'

The position statement was first published in 2002 by the former Children's Play Council for the Play Safety Forum. It has been redesign and reprinted by Play England in June 2008.