Lesson 3: Quality Practices in Risky Play — The Tools

Quality Practices in Risky Play — The Tools

Quality practice includes a reflective, thorough and regularly updated Risk-Benefit Assessment (RBA) process alongside trusting and communicative relationships. Understand the development of strong RBAs, and the importance of Informed Consents.

A clear and thorough reference for all educators supporting play and learning on the land is the Risk-Benefit Assessment Toolkit, a Child and Nature Alliance of Canada (CNAC) publication created by an international committee of risky play, injury prevention, legal and insurance experts. The documents referenced here are consistent with the Toolkit, and are working documents used in many Forest and Nature Schools across Canada.

In this section, we’ll cover which tools to use and when. These tools ensure your program is thoughtfully designed to be as safe as necessary according to your site and location, with clear informative communication and processes between management, staff and parents. 

These tools will reflect the values of your organization. These tools offer accountability for responding to safety concerns or hazards that show up in play through the changing seasons.