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Is YOUR SCHOOL PLAYGROUND SAFE?
HOW DO YOU KNOW?
The playground is one of the most important spaces in any school. It is where children build confidence, stay active, and learn through play.
But it also comes with an important safeguarding responsibility- to keep your playgrounds safe.
Around 40,000 children under 15 visit A&E each year in the UK due to playground-related injuries. According to *RoSPA, two major causes of playground accidents are poor equipment maintenance and unsafe surfacing.
Even with good supervision and risk assessments, accidents can still happen. That is why regular playground inspections and maintenance are essential.
WHY PLAYGROUND INSPECTIONS MATTER
School playgrounds are used daily in all weather conditions, and over time equipment can become worn or damaged. Loose fixings, cracked surfacing, weakened structures, or damaged ropes may not always be obvious — but they can quickly become safety risks.
Regular inspections help schools to:
- Identify hazards early
- Reduce preventable accidents
- Keep equipment safe and compliant
- Extend the lifespan of playground equipment
- Avoid costly repairs and replacements
Most importantly, they help create a safer environment for children to play with confidence.
SUPPORTING SAFEGUARDING AND KEEPING PLAYGROUNDS SAFE
Safeguarding goes beyond the classroom. Schools also have a responsibility to maintain safe outdoor spaces and reduce avoidable risks.
Routine inspections and preventative maintenance help schools:
- Protect pupils from injury
- Maintain safe facilities
- Meet health and safety responsibilities
- Reassure staff and parents
Small maintenance issues can quickly become larger safety concerns if left unresolved. Worn surfacing, loose bolts, corrosion, or damaged components can all increase the risk of accidents.
SUPPORTING SCHOOLS WITH PLAYGROUND SAFETY
The School Playground Company supports schools across the UK with inspection and maintenance services designed to keep playgrounds safe, compliant, and well-maintained.
Inspection and maintenance packages start from £229 per year and include essential maintenance and minor repair works at no additional cost.
Check out our great value Inspection and Maintenance plans to find out how the School Playground Company can help your school safeguard its playgrounds for years to come.
*RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) is a leading UK-based charity dedicated to reducing avoidable accidents through education, research, and campaigning.
