Outdoor play has a proven positive impact on a child’s wellbeing and SCMA is delighted to confirm that our Public Liability Insurance (PLI) will cover various outdoor activities, including tree climbing.
If you are a member of SCMA and you hold PLI with us, your policy will cover tree climbing, provided that you ensure:
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Full risk assessments are carried out at each separate location where minded children are allowed to climb trees.
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Written parental permission is obtained.
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You (the childminder) are present at all times, as always.
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Children are prevented from climbing trees of which they are not capable of, or where the tree is known to be unsafe.
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Refer to the SCMA Outdoor Play: A Practical Guide for Childminders and guidance is adhered to at all times.
Login to the Membership Dashboard to read SCMA’s Outdoor Play: A Practical Guide for Childminders.
Climbing trees, playing in the mud and hunting for bugs is outdoor play at its best – and being a childminder, you are ideally placed to encourage your minded children to explore the great outdoors.
The Care Inspectorate is also encouraging childminders to embrace outdoor play, and last year they published ‘My World Outdoors’ – a best practice guide that shares case studies from various early years services can provide play and learning opportunities outdoors.
Read My World Outdoors from the Care Inspectorate
SCMA has also developed an Outdoor Play workshop and e-Learning from SCMA member to access, and a useful guide to outdoor play – especially for childminders.
Find an Outdoor Play workshop near you, or Learn with SCMA online and take part an Outdoor Play
e-Learning programme and learn at your own pace and at a time that suits you.