A bid to help primary school children understand the risks of life is catching on.

The Echo reported this week Richmond Avenue Primary and Nursery School in Shoebury had introduced a mud pit, rope swing and other adventurous items into their playground as an innovative measure to ensure primary school children understand the concept of dangers and risks in the real world.

The aim behind the school’s innovative project was to ensure that while young children are always supervised, risks can still play a part in everyday life.

Now other schools in the area, which are part of the Shoebury Educational Partnership, have joined Richmond Avenue in their new initiative.

Shelley Walsh, the headteacher of Thorpedene Primary School, said pupils at the school carry out their own risk assessments before exploring the items.

Youngsters have also been supplied with bricks, logs and other mechanical and construction tools.

Ms Walsh said: “Thorpedene Primary School is part of the same multi-academy trust as Richmond Avenue Primary and Nursery School, and we share the same ethos to encourage children to take risks.

“In fact, our children do their own risk assessments daily, ensuring that they have a range of opportunities within the characteristics of effective planning.”

She added: “This has allowed us to create a fun, advanced experience making our children inquisitive and not afraid of a challenge.

“We provide the children with alternative opportunities to take risks. They use adult resources such as spades and forks to dig.

“We also have carts, bricks, logs and wheelbarrows, tools that have been used by previous adult builders and construction staff.”

Sue Westmore, grandmother and teaching consultant for Southend Council has also lauded the schools’ initiative.

She said: “As a grandmother to six young children and an early years foundation stage teacher, I am absolutely delighted to see the creative, challenging, risk rich and exciting learning environment being offered to young pupils at Richmond school.

“Richmond’s dedicated early years team provide fantastic open ended learning opportunities in which children can work at their own pace and in their own unique way, making valuable discoveries through play.”

She added: “This outstanding practice is based on a common sense approach which reflects the needs of young developing minds.

“Thank God for teachers like those in the reception and nursery at Richmond and Thorpedene. These professionals are leading the way, and how refreshing to have common sense prevailing over the dictate of government jargon.

“Independent learning wins over instructional limitation any day. Let’s see more of this approach on every school.”

Parents in South Essex have also praised the initiative.

Dean Barlow’s children attended Southend High School for Girls.

He said: “Having tools to be used in school, and more physically challenging activities whilst in recreational time is a great thing I really hope more follow suit.”