2.3. Identify safety equipment or controls which help to keep young children safe: • when going out for a walk • when in a car • when in a children’s playground

This guide will help you answer 2.3. Identify safety equipment or controls which help to keep young children safe: • when going out for a walk • when in a car • when in a children’s playground.

Keeping Young Children Safe When Going Out for a Walk

Walking with young children, whether near a setting or during an outing, requires careful thought about safety equipment and controls. Young children do not yet have a strong sense of danger. They can be unpredictable in their movements and may not follow instructions straight away. Safety measures aim to prevent accidents and keep children close to the supervising adult.

Common safety equipment used on walks include:

Wrist straps – A wrist strap is a soft band worn by the child and connected to the adult. This limits the child’s movement range but still allows them to feel independent. It is suitable for very young children who cannot be trusted to walk without restraint.
Walking reins – These fit like a harness around the child’s chest and clip to a lead held by the adult. They support the child’s balance and prevent sudden running into danger.
Buggy or pushchair harness – For very young children, a pushchair fitted with a secure five-point harness is safest. This prevents the child from slipping out while moving over uneven surfaces.
High visibility vests or jackets – Bright-coloured vests with reflective strips make children easy to see. This is important near roads or in busy public areas.
Identification badges – Small ID cards showing the child’s name, setting and contact number can be fastened to clothing. These are useful in case a child gets separated from the group.
Walking ropes – These are long ropes or straps with handles spaced along them. Each child holds a handle. This keeps the group together and stops children from drifting away.

Controls to reduce risk during walks involve supervision and planning:

Make sure ratio of adults to children meets legal requirements and is reviewed for the activity.
Always use pedestrian crossings where possible.
Plan routes away from busy main roads.
Allocate children into pairs or small groups supervised by one adult.
Agree clear rules before leaving, such as stopping at kerbs and holding hands.

These controls and equipment choices are based on the child’s age, stage of development and the environment. Young children need frequent reminders and physical safety measures to prevent harm.

Keeping Young Children Safe in a Car

Travel in a vehicle with young children presents different hazards. The law requires the correct use of car seats that meet current safety standards. Children must be restrained every time the car moves.

Safety equipment for children in cars includes:

Rear-facing car seats – For babies and toddlers, a rear-facing seat offers greater protection in a crash. This supports the head, neck and spine more effectively.
Forward-facing car seats – Suitable for older toddlers, usually from around 15 months depending on weight and height. The seat should have a five-point harness.
Booster seats and booster cushions – Used for older children who have outgrown a car seat but are not yet tall enough to use the adult seat belt safely.
Seat belt adjusters – These can help the seat belt fit properly across the shoulder and chest without touching the neck.
ISOFIX base fittings – These are built into many modern vehicles and allow car seats to be securely attached to the car frame without seat belts.
Sun blinds or shades – These protect children from direct sunlight and reduce glare.
Child safety locks – Prevent children from opening doors while the vehicle is moving or stationary.

Controls used to protect children in cars include:

Always fit seats according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Carry out regular checks for wear, damage or missing parts.
Never place a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag.
Teach children to remain seated with straps done up at all times.
Make sure luggage or equipment is safely stowed so it cannot move during the journey.
Allow time before the journey to settle each child securely. Never rush fitting the harness.

The correct equipment and controls must be used every time a child is transported. Accidents can happen at low speeds, so lapses in restraint use are not acceptable. Car safety is a legal requirement and an everyday responsibility for early years staff transporting or accompanying children.

Keeping Young Children Safe in a Children’s Playground

Playgrounds give children the chance to explore physical skills, interact socially and enjoy outdoor time. They can present risks from falls, collisions, equipment faults and weather. Equipment and controls help reduce the chance of injury.

Safety equipment in playgrounds includes:

Impact-absorbing ground surfaces – Materials such as rubber mats, bark chippings or sand underneath climbing frames or swings cushion falls and reduce injury risk.
Age-appropriate play structures – Equipment should match the age and abilities of children using it. For example, low platforms and slow-moving roundabouts suit younger children.
Fencing and gates – Strong fencing with child-proof gates keeps children within the playground and away from hazards like roads or water.
Shade structures – Canopies or natural shade protect children from excessive sun exposure.
Safety barriers and guard rails – Installed on raised play areas to prevent falls.
Signage – Clear signs showing age recommendations and rules support safe use.

Controls that help keep children safe in playgrounds include:

Always check equipment before use for loose parts, sharp edges or splinters.
Maintain close adult supervision, especially where there is climbing or swinging.
Teach children to wait their turn to prevent pushing or overcrowding.
Make sure children wear suitable footwear for running and climbing.
Avoid playground use in poor weather when surfaces may be slippery.
Encourage safe play, such as sitting on swings and using slides the right way.

Playground safety works best when equipment meets quality standards and staff actively supervise play. Risk is reduced when staff set boundaries and model safe behaviour. Early years workers must be alert to changes in the environment that could increase hazards, such as broken glass or damage from vandalism.

Linking Safety Equipment and Controls to Child Development

Young children grow and change quickly. Their understanding of safety rules improves with age, but at early years stage they rely mostly on adults to keep them safe. Safety equipment acts as a physical safeguard. Controls, such as rules, routines and supervision, guide safe behaviour.

For infants and toddlers:

Physical restraints like reins, harnesses and car seats are critical.
Controls focus on preventing direct access to hazards.

For preschool-aged children:

Equipment may give more freedom but still acts as a backup, such as walking ropes or booster seats.
Controls encourage children to recognise dangers and make safer choices, such as stopping at kerbs or waiting their turn on playground equipment.

Matching the right equipment and controls to specific outings or activities ensures risks are reduced and children remain as safe as possible in different settings.

Final Thoughts

Safety equipment and safety controls work together to protect young children in different environments. Equipment provides a direct barrier against harm, while controls guide behaviour and reduce risk through organisation and supervision. Both must be chosen with the child’s age, stage of development, and the setting in mind.

By planning ahead and making good use of safety measures, workers can create safe opportunities for walking near roads, travelling in cars and playing outdoors. These measures allow children to enjoy activities while being shielded from hazards. For early years practitioners, safety is part of everyday practice and must be maintained at all times.