School & Education
Playground Use Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for school playground use and supervision.
Free to use
Instant PDF download
Updated February 2026
The essential guide to playground safety
School playgrounds provide essential opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and unstructured play. From climbing frames to ball games, playground activities require careful safety management to protect all children.
This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough playground risk assessment—from equipment safety and fall surfaces to supervision arrangements, weather conditions, and emergency procedures.
Educational
Activity Benefits
Why playgrounds are worth the investment
Physical Development
Improves coordination, balance, and core strength.
Social Skills
Develops social skills through games, turn taking, and sharing.
Emotional Regulation
Supports emotional regulation through active play.
Risk Awareness
Builds risk awareness and safe behaviour around equipment.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Falls from EquipmentHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Fractures, head injuries, sprains from falls off play structures.
Control Measures
- Impact-absorbing surfaces maintained
- Equipment regularly inspected
- Age-appropriate equipment designated
- Clear rules for safe use
CollisionsHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Bruises, head bumps, injuries from collisions during play.
Control Measures
- Zoned areas for different activities
- Staff supervision throughout
- Ball game areas separated
- Clear sightlines maintained
Equipment DamageMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Cuts, falls from broken or damaged equipment.
Control Measures
- Daily visual inspections
- Weekly operational checks
- Annual independent inspection
- Damaged items immediately closed
Weather HazardsMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Slips on wet surfaces, heatstroke, frost injuries.
Control Measures
- Equipment closed when icy or very wet
- Shade available in hot weather
- Sun protection encouraged
- Indoor alternatives available
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 25 hazards and 25+ control measures for Playground Use, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Daily playground checklist
Equipment
- Visual check completed
- Damage reported
- Surfaces checked
- Hazards removed
Conditions
- Weather assessed
- Surfaces dry or safe
- Temperature appropriate
- Equipment suitable for use
Supervision
- Staff positioned
- Zones covered
- First aider available
- Communication ready
Security
- Boundaries secure
- Gates checked
- Debris cleared
- Access controlled
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