Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu

Ofsted chief inspector warns against 'risk-averse' school safety culture

Date posted : 09 August 2017

The chief inspector of Ofsted has spoken out against excessive approaches to school safety that create environments in which students are afraid to take risks.

In an article originally published in the Sunday Telegraph, Amanda Spielman said many of the current approaches to health and safety in schools may be "creating an unnecessarily risk-averse culture" that is ultimately harmful to child development.

She cited examples such as the ubiquitous use of hi-vis jackets on school field trips, even when visiting indoor locations, or an instance of a primary school cancelling a sports day due to damp grass.

Ms Spielman warned that this overapplication of safety principles makes it harder for children to learn to cope with everyday levels of risk, and may also contribute to childhood inactivity by dissuading students from taking part in outdoor activities.

To address this, the chief inspector said she will be seeking to focus Ofsted's activities on making sure schools are upholding pupil safety without being excessive, commencing with a new training initiative later this summer.

This will seek to remind inspectors to focus on what schools are doing to identify children potentially at risk of real harm, how these children are being helped, and how they manage accusations and other serious problems with staff.

School leaders, meanwhile, will be empowered to make decisions based on their own judgement and experience, rather than being constricted by overly prescriptive policies.

Ms Spielman said: "Keeping children safe from harm should always be your overriding concern, but in doing so, make sure you distinguish between real and imagined risk.

"Trying to insulate your pupils from every bump, germ or bruise won't just drive you to distraction, it will short-change those pupils as well - limiting their opportunity to fully take advantage of the freedom of childhood, and to explore the world around them."
List #1

Related posts

Teaching interview questions: what to expect and how to prepare

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Walking into a teaching interview can be nerve-wracking, even for experienced teachers. The secret? Preparation. Knowing what to expect, understanding the school, and thinking through your answer

Teaser

Teaching interviews can feel daunting, but the right preparation makes all the difference. From common questions to safeguarding, behaviour management, and career development, here’s how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the best impression.

Read more
Teacher pay scales 2025–26: what you need to know

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Pay is always a big topic for teachers and school leaders, and with good reason. It affects career choices, retention, and how schools plan. With a 4% rise confirmed for the next academic term, 20

Teaser

Teacher pay scales for 2025–26 are changing, with a confirmed 4% rise across the board. From new starter salaries to leadership pay, discover what the updated scales mean for teachers, schools, and career planning.

Read more
Back To School: How To Set Up The Year For Success

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

The start of a new academic year brings a mix of excitement and challenge. New timetables and faces are balanced with the realities of staffing, planning, and ensuring the school settles quickly i

Teaser

The start of term sets the tone for the whole year. From staff onboarding to curriculum planning and wellbeing, discover practical ways to prepare your school for success this September and beyond.

Read more
Inclusive classrooms start with Thrive-trained educators

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Schools are under pressure. Behaviour issues are rising, pupil needs are more complex, and staff are stretched. In 2024, 18.4% of children in England were reported to have some form of special edu

Teaser

Need skilled staff for today’s complex classrooms? Thrive-trained educators from Teaching Personnel are ready to reduce disruption and support every learner.

Read more
Thrive in every classroom: How CPD with impact can boost your career

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Today’s classroom is a busy, complex, and emotionally charged environment. Educators need to teach, support, manage behaviour, and connect with learners who may be carrying far more than their sch

Teaser

Struggling with behaviour or emotional needs in the classroom? Thrive CPD gives you practical tools to support every learner, especially those with SEND or SEMH.

Read more
The future of SEND support

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

The future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in the UK is undergoing significant focus and reform. It’s a complicated landscape as the government considers tightening th

Teaser

With EHCP reform, funding investment, and workforce development on the horizon, the future of SEND support is changing fast. This blog breaks down what schools need to know, and how to prepare.

Read more
Overcoming SEND staffing challenges in schools

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser

Read more
Bridging the gap: Why SEND CPD matters for teachers

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser

Are your staff prepared for the rising SEND needs in mainstream schools? Diagnoses are rising, but most teachers feel unprepared. Discover why high-quality SEND CPD is essential and how your school can upskill effectively without breaking the budget.

Read more
Pupils listening to teacher in classroom
Creating inclusive classrooms: strategies for success

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser

With the number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) rising, schools must take proactive steps to create inclusive learning environments. The National Audit Office (NAO) has highlighted the challenges in making mainstream schools more accessible, emphasising the urgent need for change. But while systemic improvements are necessary, educators can implement practical strategies today to support SEND pupils effectively.

Read more
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

 How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26    As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser

Struggling to make sense of SEND funding for 2025–26? Get clarity and strategy in our free SEND Funding Guide, packed with insights schools can use now.

Read more
company logo
Search