2018 Volume 56 Issue 2 Pages 39-50
This research focuses on aspects of risk management for childcare facilities' playground equipment. Data is collected through participant observations in a kindergarten in Nagoya, Japan, and interviews with newly employed and veteran teachers. The study elucidates how children should interact with equipment in a safe way that also allows the maximum value to be gained from play. It suggests how teachers should best be supported to achieve this aim. It is pointed out how concepts of hazard and risk in relation to playground equipment differs markedly from other countries. The usefulness is considered of classifying hazard into four types, depending on whether it is intrinsic or avoidable, and on the child's ability to recognize it. Finally, the need for the improving safety management and expertise among teachers is stressed.
