12/09/2024
For this week's Play Safety Week campaign, we have created 'top tips for adults' on play safety. These are:
1. Keep an eye out - Young children should be supervised by a responsible adult while playing outdoors, indoors and on inflatables.
2. Report any faults - If you notice any obvious hazards that may have arisen, please contact the owner operator.
3. Nicely does it - Teach children to play respectfully and cooperatively with others. Encourage sharing, letting other children use the equipment on their own, taking turns, and peaceful conflict resolution for positive social interactions. Follow the rules for capacity on inflatables and don’t let lots of children on at one time.
4. Are they comfortable on the equipment? - Make sure children stick to play equipment that is age appropriate and that they are comfortable with.
5. Let children explore their own boundaries - Many accidents happen when parents intervene and assist children in reaching areas or parts of equipment that they wouldn’t otherwise have got to.
6. Clean and Clear - Check the play equipment is debris free and has been well maintained.
7. Dress and rest for success - Children should be dressed in the most appropriate way for a play session on the play equipment they are playing on. Make sure children wear sunscreen if its sunny outside and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and rest at intervals during play time, especially on hot days.
8. Call it out - If you see unsafe behaviour, overcrowding, pushing or children playing on equipment that isn’t right for their age, call it out and speak to the child or children involved.
9. If you have concerns, contact the playground owner - If you spot any obvious hazards then let the playground operator know. Their contact details will be on the signage in the play area.
10. Spread the safe play word - Share the guidelines with other parents, your local school, your local council and other people who are responsible for equipment that children play on and help raise awareness.
Share our tips with others today and help drive our campaign message this week.