Playground Safety Procedures

Playground Safety Procedures

1. Active Supervision

Staff must actively supervise children at all times while they are on the playground. The following practices ensure the safety and well-being of all children:

• Positioning of Staff:

  • Staff will be stationed at strategic locations around the playground to ensure maximum visibility and coverage of all areas.

  • Key positions include near climbing structures, slides, swings, and any other high-activity zones.

• Scanning Play Activities:

  • Staff members are responsible for constantly scanning the playground to monitor all activities.

  • Scanning should involve visual sweeps of all areas to observe children's actions and detect any potential safety concerns, inappropriate behavior, or risky play.

• Circulating Among Children:

  • Staff should move around the playground and interact with children to maintain a close proximity for immediate assistance.

  • Rotating among different play areas helps ensure that staff are accessible and that all children are supervised regardless of their location in the playground.

2. Resilient Surface Maintenance

The playground surface must be maintained to prevent injuries from falls. This includes:

• Regular Inspections:

  • Staff should inspect the resilient surface (e.g., rubber mulch, wood chips, or other impact-absorbing materials) at least once a day to ensure it is in good condition.

  • Any signs of wear, displacement, or hazardous conditions must be reported immediately to management.

• Resurfacing and Leveling:

  • If the resilient surface becomes uneven or compressed, it should be raked or leveled to ensure proper impact absorption.

  • Areas under swings, slides, and climbing equipment require more frequent attention to maintain an adequate depth of material.

• Replacement of Materials:

  • When surface material becomes too worn or thinned out, fresh material should be added promptly to restore the necessary depth as per safety standards.

  • A minimum depth compliant with the fall heights of our installed equiptment of resilient material should be maintained under all play equipment.

• Weather Considerations:

  • During inclement weather (e.g., heavy rain or snow), staff should check that the surface remains safe and dry for use. If the surface is compromised, play may be restricted until conditions improve.

These procedures are designed to ensure the playground remains a safe, supervised environment for all children. Regular training for staff will be conducted to reinforce these safety protocols.

An annual review will be done of these procedures and was last done as of the date of the publishing of this post. The last edits were made as of September 7, 2024.