ISJ November 2017: Book review – Playing with Fire: Embracing Risk and Danger in Schools

Reviewed by John Bastable

Abstract:

‘Playing with Fire’ is a small book with a big message. It is easily read  in one sitting and is well worth the effort. The book claims that the  education system in the UK has become excessively ‘risk averse’ with  children living in a ‘cotton wool environment’ because schools have  become increasingly shy of exposing their students to any degree of  perceived danger. The purpose behind the book is to challenge this  position and by arguing for the benefits of facing risk to encourage  educators to step out of their present comfort zone and do something  about it.