7.2 Explain the terms: • risk benefit assessment • dynamic risk benefit assessment

This guide will help you answer 7.2 Explain the terms: • risk benefit assessment • dynamic risk benefit assessment.

Risk benefit assessment is a method used in playwork to weigh up the potential risks of an activity or environment against the potential benefits to children and young people. It recognises that some level of risk is an important part of play. Children learn through taking risks, testing boundaries and experimenting. In playwork, the aim is not to remove all risk but to manage it so that it does not cause serious harm.

A risk benefit assessment records both the positives of an activity or space and the hazards. It helps workers make informed decisions. For example, climbing trees carries a risk of falling. It also brings benefits such as physical development, confidence building and problem-solving skills. The assessment considers whether the benefits justify allowing the activity, and what controls might reduce the likelihood or severity of harm.

The process often involves:

• Identifying the activity or feature to be assessed
• Listing potential hazards and who might be affected
• Recording possible benefits for children’s development, wellbeing and enjoyment
• Considering control measures to minimise harm without removing the benefit
• Making a balanced decision based on this information

Risk benefit assessment supports a positive approach to risk in play settings. It recognises the value of challenge, variety and exploration. It aims to keep play opportunities rich and meaningful without unnecessary restriction.

In playwork, these assessments are often written down as part of organisational policy. They can be used to justify decisions to parents, managers or inspectors, showing that risks have been considered and balanced with benefits carefully.

Purpose and Value of Risk Benefit Assessment

This type of assessment encourages practitioners to think beyond safety rules. It supports the idea that risk is part of life and of growing up. Children need opportunities to:

• Develop physical skills through climbing, running or jumping
• Learn how to manage danger and make decisions about their own safety
• Build resilience by dealing with difficulties and setbacks
• Experience excitement and challenge

Without risk benefit assessment, there is a danger that activities could be removed simply because they carry some risk, even if benefits far outweigh the hazards. This would limit the richness and variety of play.

It can be used for both planned activities and permanent features of a play space. For example:

• Loose parts such as tyres or pallets can present hazards like splinters or instability. They also offer creativity, problem solving and construction play opportunities.
• Water play with buckets or puddles carries slip risks but gives opportunities for sensory play and science learning.

In each case, the assessment helps workers decide how to keep hazards within acceptable levels while keeping the play value high.

Explaining Dynamic Risk Benefit Assessment

Dynamic risk benefit assessment is an on-the-spot evaluation carried out while play is happening or conditions are changing. It is a quick mental process rather than a formal written one. Playworkers use it to respond in real time to situations during the day.

For example, if a child starts climbing higher than usual in a tree, the playworker quickly considers:

• Is the child confident and experienced in climbing?
• Is the ground below clear of hazards like sharp objects?
• Is the child wearing suitable footwear?
• What is the potential benefit of letting them continue?
• What is the level of risk and how serious could any harm be?

After weighing these points in their head, the playworker decides whether to allow the climb, give guidance, or intervene.

Dynamic risk benefit assessment is flexible and responsive. It allows workers to adjust their approach instantly depending on weather, the behaviour of the group, or other changing factors. It is used alongside formal written assessments, not as a replacement. Written risk benefit assessments give the baseline, while dynamic assessments respond to real-time conditions.

Examples of situations needing dynamic risk benefit assessment include:

• Sudden change in weather making equipment slippery
• New material added to the play space, such as cardboard boxes or rope
• Children mixing play activities in unexpected ways, such as combining sand and water near climbing structures
• Spontaneous games that spread into areas with different hazards

In each case, the worker quickly thinks through risks and benefits before making a decision.

How Dynamic and Written Assessments Work Together

Written risk benefit assessments provide a planned and considered record. They draw on observation, experience and discussion among staff. They set expectations for regular activities and features. Dynamic assessments are more about immediate response, using judgement at the moment.

Both types require knowledge of child development, play types and the specific setting environment. Both value the idea that play is important and that some hazards can be accepted if benefits are strong.

An example of them working together could be a rope swing. The written assessment outlines its hazards, benefits and control measures, such as regular checking of the rope and supervision guidelines. The dynamic assessment takes place when a child uses it in an unusual way, such as standing instead of sitting. The worker assesses in real time whether this increases the risk to unacceptable levels or offers a safe challenge.

It is important to keep both approaches consistent. Dynamic decisions should fit within the reasoning set out in the written version, unless a new hazard or benefit has been identified and later recorded.

Skills Needed for Good Risk Benefit Assessment

Workers need to:

• Understand common hazards in play spaces
• Recognise the benefits of different play types
• Observe carefully and notice changes in behaviour or environment
• Judge the balance between risk and benefit based on context
• Communicate decisions clearly to children and colleagues
• Keep accurate records when required

For dynamic assessment, quick thinking and confidence are key. Decisions need to be made without delaying play unnecessarily. Workers must remain calm and trust their professional judgement, while factoring in the individual abilities of each child.

Recording and Reviewing Risk Benefit Assessments

Written assessments should be reviewed regularly. This might be every few months or after specific incidents. Changes in equipment, layout or group needs should trigger a review. Reports from dynamic assessments can be added if they reveal new points about hazards or benefits.

When recording, keep language simple and clear. Describe hazards plainly and list benefits with specific links to developmental outcomes. Avoid overcomplicated jargon.

For dynamic decisions, it is good practice to make a note afterwards if something unusual occurred. This helps improve future planning and adds to evidence that decisions were considered and balanced.

Benefits of Including Risk in Play

Risk brings multiple learning opportunities. It pushes children to:

• Think about safety and make their own choices
• Experience controlled fear and excitement
• Build problem-solving skills
• Take responsibility for their actions
• Co-operate with others to reduce hazards during play

Removing all risk can create dull, limited play environments. It can reduce confidence in children and stop them from learning how to stay safe independently. Risk benefit assessment supports the idea that challenge is healthy and necessary.

Examples of Activities with Risk and Benefit

• Climbing frames
• Risks: Falls, collisions
• Benefits: Coordination, strength, confidence
• Fire play with supervision
• Risks: Burns, smoke inhalation
• Benefits: Learning about heat, responsibility, teamwork
• Loose parts construction with wood and tools
• Risks: Splinters, cuts
• Benefits: Creativity, design skills, motor development
• Nature play in uneven terrain
• Risks: Trips, insect bites
• Benefits: Exploration, sensory experiences, resilience

These examples demonstrate how both risks and benefits can be recorded and balanced to support decision making in playwork.

Creating a Positive Risk Culture

In settings with a positive risk culture, staff view risk as part of enriched play. They encourage decision making in children and avoid over-protective restrictions. Written and dynamic risk benefit assessments become tools to support this culture, rather than paperwork for its own sake.

Staff talk openly with each other and with children about why certain activities are allowed or restricted. This builds understanding and respect for safety rules. It also helps children take responsibility for their own safety.

Final Thoughts

Risk benefit assessment is a key part of playwork practice. It shifts thinking from avoiding risk to managing it sensibly. It recognises that play must include challenge, variety and an element of danger to be meaningful. This supports children’s growth and helps them learn self-awareness, confidence and resilience.

Dynamic risk benefit assessment is a natural partner to formal written assessment. It allows quick, effective decision making in real play situations. Together they provide a balanced approach, enabling children to explore, experiment and enjoy rich play experiences in a safe yet challenging environment. Workers who use these methods well help create spaces where children can thrive through both fun and learning.