Playing with small parts

Last updated – 06/03/2023
Bumbles Day Care > Team Zone > Records > Risk Benefit Assessments > Playing with small parts
Setting Group / Location Created by Date created
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Kerrie Burke / Sigourney Larmour
06/03/2023
  • Children playing with objects or parts that started bigger, and ended up becoming a hazard – if they break up / melt etc.
  • A Child could put small objects into their Mouth / Nose / Ears.
  • If the loose parts break up, they could become sharp / a hazard.
  • Younger children entering the room at the start of the day / end of the night.
  • The size of the parts / toys should be considered in the planning stage / “in the moment” re-assessment should also be considered – if the parts have broken down / got smaller, then the adult may wish to remove the object from play.
  • Appropriate supervision of children throughout play with the small parts is essential as children can move quickly when investigating equipment / toys. Small object play will require an adult to sit with the children throughout the activity. 
  • Adult supervision and re-assessment as the activity progresses.
  • Consider the objects & toys left out to welcome in children at the beginning of the day or end of the night. Children from one group may have much younger siblings who come in with parents to collect, and then have access to the toys / objects in the room.
  • Use of loose parts in play allows children to expand their creativity & imagination in play.
  • For older children, they can risk assess during play for themselves (but adult supervision should still be considered).
  • Playing with smaller loose parts during play allows children to develop their fine motor skills.