Creating A Safe Playground Experience For Pupils Of All Ages

Creating A Safe Playground Experience For Pupils Of All Ages

The playground offers pupils of all ages numerous developmental benefits. Children who have access to playground facilities experience health benefits as well as social and cognitive development benefits.

Playing outside gives children the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the fresh air and sun while allowing them to run, explore, and engage in imaginative play. We help you create a safe playground experience for pupils of all ages with non-slip thermoplastic playground designs that are well planned and effectively installed.

Avoid Playground Injuries With Safe Thermoplastic Markings

It is impossible to avoid tumbles here and there in the playground. However, it is therefore important to create safe landing spaces to ensure there is suitable impact absorption. We use non-slip thermoplastic playground markings which aim to provide safe activities for pupils to enjoy.

In addition to non-slip markings, creating a soft landing space underneath climbing spaces ensures the kids are safe in case of falls. Materials that create a soft landing include loose-fill mediums such as sand, wood shavings, and bark or synthetic turf, wet pour rubber, and other artificial materials.

These materials should be at least 12 inches deep and extended up to 6 feet in all directions around the equipment. For swings extend the surface materials up to twice the height of the suspending bar.

Create a Safe Playground Experience with Age Appropriate Games

We recommend creating a different playground for kids under 5 years old. Younger kids are not as active or resilient as older children and can get hurt easily during play. Separating their play area ensures they are safe as they participate in age-appropriate games and activities.

Babies who are just learning to walk should have a smooth playground with no obstacles that can trip them. Our thermoplastic markings are level with the ground and do not pose a risk of stumbling to toddlers.

The playground surface should also be easy to walk or crawl on. Anti-slip thermoplastic markings also minimise the risk of falling for younger children. If there are swings, it is recommended to use the bucket option for smaller kids.

Supervise All Pupils in the Playground

Teachers and parents should actively supervise their kids whenever they use the playground. Take note of them calling out to you to watch them as they climb, swing, and jump in order to keep track of their movements.

We also recommend checking the playground and keeping an eye out for hazards such as rough, uncovered surfaces, and rusty or broken equipment. Report any hazards to the school or appropriate playground officials.

Take note of worn out markings that could cause children to slip. UniPlay offers comprehensive removal and re-installation services helping you keep the children safe. We can also work around your schedule to minimise interference to your schedule.

Remember, as you supervise the kids, it is also important to ensure they dress appropriately for the playground. Safety equipment such as helmets can also be dangerous in the playground.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance Keeps Pupils Safe on the Playground

Schedule regular inspections for school and public playgrounds to ensure they are well-maintained and safe for kids of different ages. Remove any hazards immediately or report to the relevant organisation responsible for the grounds such as school, city council, or park authority.

Remember, do not allow kids on the playground if there are any hazards until the equipment is repaired and safe for use.

More Tips To Keep Children Safe on The Playground

• Teach kids that shoving, pushing or crowing can be dangerous
• Teach kids how to use playground equipment properly eg sit in the swing, not stand or kneel, hold on to the swing tightly with both hands, stop the swing completely before getting off, no jumping off swings
• Plan ahead for active time
• Modify play for injured children
• Encourage creativity and socialising rather than competition
• Ensure kids drink enough fluids and stay hydrated
• Stabilise equipment ensuring that all parts are tightly fastened and secured
• Keep the playground clean
• Ensure proper spacing of equipment
• Invest in high-quality equipment and non-slip markings

Contact Us

With these tips, parents and teachers can help create a safe playground experience for pupils of all ages. If you would like to know more about our safety-focused playground markings, our team are here to assist you. Simply call our team on 0333 321 6695 or email info@uni-play.co.uk and we will be in touch as soon as possible.