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Abstract

The following dissertation will focus on the importance of risk during early childhood as it is necessary for children to develop risk-taking skills and to be able to manage risky situations. A young child’s learning environment can impact greatly upon their ability to develop holistically, therefore, to encourage children to develop the concept of risk, an appropriate setting is required. From an evolutionary perspective, risks enable children to understand their surrounding world and construct foundations for future development as risk-taking allows children to test their abilities and boundaries. However, in recent years there has been a decline in opportunities for young children to freely play as Western society has become accustomed to the growing perception of risk. As a result of wider social, cultural, and economic changes, there has been a rise in concern regarding children’s safety, and consequently, children’s engagement with risks have been restricted. Children are strictly safeguarded within settings as children are perceived as less resilient and vulnerable, therefore, are considered as needing protection. This growing fear concerning children’s safety has made parents, practitioners and Governments respond negatively to risk. This has largely influenced new legislation within settings as practitioners fear legal action if a child is injured, therefore, practitioners has altered their practice to ensure safety rather than providing high quality practice. Additionally, the growing perception of risk has impacted upon the decline of outdoor play. Opportunities for children to access the outdoor environment have declined due to safety concerns, such as traffic, injury, and stranger danger. However, research suggests that an outdoor setting for young children can greatly benefit their development as it provides a natural educational resource. In an effort to engage children in outdoor play, forest schools have been introduced as it embraces nature and risk. Children are provided with the freedom to develop a responsible attitude towards risk, which can offer stimulating and challenging play opportunities.

Course: Early Childhood Studies - BA (Hons)

Date Deposited: 2021-02-03

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13658.html