Risky Play - Part 3 - Safety Measures in Nursery and Preschool Settings in Dubai

Safety Measures in Nursery and Preschool Settings in Dubai

At our nursery in Dubai and preschool in Dubai, safety doesn’t mean eliminating risk but ensuring that the environment and supervision are set up for safe exploration. Inspired by the Forest School approach, we recognize that children benefit from learning through active play in natural settings while assessing and managing risks independently.

Provide Proper Supervision:

Stay present without hovering. Watch from a distance to ensure children engage safely, stepping in only when absolutely necessary. This aligns with Playworks UK’s philosophy, which emphasizes guided yet flexible supervision that allows children to develop confidence in their physical abilities.

Ensure Secure Equipment:

Whether it’s a climbing structure, tree, or sensory play area, equipment should be sturdy and well-maintained. The Froebel approach, which champions outdoor and exploratory play, highlights the importance of thoughtfully designed environments that encourage movement while minimizing unnecessary hazards.

Choose Safe Environments:

Opt for play spaces designed to minimize risk, such as nature trails, adventure playgrounds, or well-maintained gardens. Reggio Emilia-inspired learning environments often incorporate natural materials and open-ended structures, allowing children to interact with their surroundings in a safe yet stimulating way.

Protective Gear:

For high-risk activities like biking or tree climbing, helmets and knee pads provide necessary protection. For everyday play, appropriate footwear and weather-appropriate clothing ensure comfort and safety while encouraging active engagement with the environment.

Teaching Self-Assessment in Early Childhood Education

One of the most valuable skills children learn through risky play is how to assess risks and make independent decisions, an essential aspect of both Forest School and Reggio Emilia methodologies.

Encourage Observation:

Ask open-ended questions: “What do you think could happen if you climbed that tree?” or “How will you land if you jump off that rock?” These prompts help children evaluate risks and develop problem-solving skills.

Create Opportunities for Choice:

Children should be given control over their play activities. For example, “Would you like to climb up the rope bridge or balance on the stepping stones first?” The Froebelian approach emphasizes child-led learning, where play is a form of self-expression and discovery.

Praise Thoughtful Decisions:

Positive reinforcement for good risk assessment (e.g., choosing not to climb too high) fosters confidence in decision-making. Playworks UK promotes the idea that encouraging independent decision-making in play leads to greater self-awareness and resilience.

Model Risk Assessment:

Demonstrate how to evaluate risks in daily life. For example, “I want to climb this hill, but I’ll check if it’s muddy first.” By modeling cautious yet confident decision-making, children learn to balance risk and reward effectively.

Cultural and Societal Perspectives on Risky Play

Different cultures approach risky play in unique ways, shaping how children engage in outdoor activities at a preschool in Dubai or a nursery in Dubai.

Western Cultures:

Over the past few decades, Western countries have shifted between overprotective parenting and renewed support for unstructured outdoor play. Research now highlights the developmental benefits of risky play, leading many early years educators to adopt Reggio Emilia and Froebelian principles, which emphasize self-directed learning through exploration.

Scandinavian Countries:

In Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, Forest Schools provide children with the opportunity to climb, jump, and explore natural settings under careful guidance. These cultures view risky play as essential for fostering independence, self-reliance, and resilience.

Asian Cultures:

In Japan, children often engage in independent outdoor play, balancing risk-taking with structured safety measures. Schools and families encourage autonomy while maintaining cultural values of responsibility and discipline.

Indigenous Cultures:

Traditional Indigenous communities integrate risky play into daily life, using it as a means to develop survival skills, cooperation, and resourcefulness. Outdoor learning is embedded in cultural traditions, much like Forest School principles, which emphasize a deep connection to nature.

From Overprotective Parenting to Fostering Independence

In recent years, nurseries in Dubai and preschools in Dubai have started shifting towards a more balanced approach to risk-taking in early childhood education.

The Impact of Overprotective Parenting:

Overprotection can lead to increased anxiety and reduced problem-solving skills. Research supports the Reggio Emilia approach, which advocates for giving children autonomy while providing a secure foundation for learning.

The Pendulum Swing:

As more studies highlight the importance of risky play, parents and educators are recognizing its role in developing resilience and confidence. Playworks UK promotes structured yet adaptable play opportunities that allow children to explore safely.

Promoting Independence:

Encouraging children to take risks within safe limits fosters personal growth. By integrating Forest School, Froebel, and Reggio Emilia principles into nursery in Dubai and preschool in Dubai settings, we create environments where children can test their boundaries, build problem-solving skills, and thrive in a play-based curriculum.

By balancing safety with age-appropriate risk-taking, we prepare children for the challenges of life, helping them grow into confident, capable individuals.