Should we take that risk? Whilst talking to a fellow grandparent recently, about the group that meet at my house for grandparents who have lost contact with their grandchildren, the grandparent seemed surprised and asked, "Are you inviting complete strangers to your home, "

"Yes I am," I replied.

"Mm, that's taking a huge risk." she tutted.

I have to say it never crossed my mind, I was born in the house that my family live in and we and the house have always welcomed anyone and everyone who calls at the door.

And why am I taking that risk? Because I care very deeply for all our grandchildren and want the best for them all.

It became obvious as the conversation continued that there was a genuine concern for my safety.

It seems that we have parts of our community who have a real fear of strangers, from children to the older generation.

The children hear that anyone who has any contact with them has to have something called a CRB check (Criminal Records Bureau) and if the adults have this magical check, they are completely safe. Are they? As a teaching assistant, for over 15 years , a mum and also a gran, I am very aware of how children must be protected, we must do everything to keep them and ourselves safe, but what does it say to our children? Are they growing up thinking that the world is populated by people who might harm them?

We now must be checked if taking groups of children regularly to games, dance classes etc, even if you go into a school to just play the piano, surrounded by other adults and a hall full of children, you must still get CRB checked.

If you are a grandparent going into schools to listen to children read, you must have a check.

In my working life, I spent a lot of my time telling children to 'take a risk,' meaning put your hand up, have a go, it doesn't matter if you are wrong, taking a risk is part of our lives.

As I am writing this, the story breaks of two police officers who have been sharing looking after each others children, to enable them both to continue working, both their children are safe, being looked after by someone who knows them and the children have grown up together. A perfect arrangement.

Not according to Ofsted who have told them that they are both breaking the law, and must be registered childminders as the children are with them more than two hours a day, yet another ridiculous regulation.

Who benefits from something like this, certainly not the children.

And now autumn is upon us so I imagine we are again going to see schools not allowing conker tournaments, unless the children are wearing safety googles?

Which reminds me, must put some in the oven to harden up! Where is my hard hat and high-visibility jacket?

So, for me, rest assured I will continue to invite people into my home but shall now of course insist on ID, CRB and RGC. Oh RGC is Responsible Grandparent Check.