Risk Assessment

We are committed to delivering fun, family-friendly entertainment that is also safe and well managed. This risk assessment outlines the key precautions and control measures we follow for every Punch & Judy performance, including safe setup of equipment, supervision of children, emergency procedures, and safeguarding considerations. By planning carefully and reviewing risks in advance, we help ensure that every event is enjoyable, professional and compliant with safety expectations.

1. I always do an initial visual site survey looking for any potential hazards, especially in the area where the children will be sitting. Things to be aware of are wasp nests, broken glass, etc., in the grass. I also, where possible, try to select a position where the children are in shade, and not looking into the sun.

2. My main piece of equipment is the Punch & Judy booth. This is unstable in wind and therefore needs to be secured by weighting the base on hard ground and by guy ropes and tent pegs on soft ground. I need to know the nature of the surface in advance, so that I bring the appropriate booth.

3. When using guy ropes and tent pegs, in an attempt to guard against tripping, I use brightly coloured guy ropes and make sure that tent pegs are well hammered into the ground.

4. I establish a safe distance from the booth where the children should sit, and mark this by spreading a groundsheet (which I call my magic carpet) and verbally encourage the children to stay seated in the designated area.

5. I request that there is at least one other responsible adult present during my performance. This is particularly important during the actual puppet show since, when in the booth, my field of vision is limited.

6. During the magic tricks, one or two children are invited to assist. I carefully monitor and control where they stand.

7. Any props (magic wand, for example) which the assisting children handle are regularly checked to ensure they do not have splinters or that they could in any way hurt a child.

8. While I make every effort to anticipate and eliminate risk and have concern for the children's welfare, I am also aware that I am an entertainer, not a child-minder, and that the responsibility for the children's safety remains with the parents or other supervising adults.