Worth the risk

Schools should be teaching children how to be risk-savvy, not cancelling trips and adventure activities.

That’s the view of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). The body has backed Government plans to simplify the process schools must go through to organise away days, while suggesting that balanced risk education ought to be part of the curriculum for pupils. However, it also warned against the possibility of a cut in red tape meaning a cut in the quality of care offered to youngsters.

“School students should get to try out new experiences away from the confines of the classroom – and be encouraged to learn to think independently. We believe that teaching children to be risk-savvy will set them up for life,” the Institution commented.