The benefits of risk in a controlled environment

Safety is a key feature in the design of a play area and at Admiral, we take that responsibility very seriously. However we also recognise the inherent need for risk taking and decision making when children are playing and therefore our designs always offer stimulating and challenging environments for exploring and developing skills. It’s our experience and ability to strike a balance between risks and benefits that shows through in our designs, allowing the children to learn how to judge risks and manage them, developing self-confidence, independence and autonomy.

We should not prevent children and young people from doing things they enjoy because of risks that can be managed......a balance is needed between risks and fun.

Introduction to ‘Managing Risk in Play Provision: Implementation guide’ Play England, 2008