Recess/Playtime Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Conflict, bullying or rough play — Train duty staff in positive de-escalation, set clear game rules and turn-taking, and provide "time-out" calm corners. Log incidents for pattern review, teach peer mediation, and adjust yard zoning or staffing where hotspots persist.
• Entanglement or strangulation hazards — Prohibit scarves, long strings and cords on equipment; remove hanging loops from nets; and secure goal nets tightly. Teach pupils to avoid neck-level ties in play, and inspect for protrusions or gaps that can trap hoods, toggles or fingers.
• Impact injuries during running games — Zone the yard so tag/running games are separated from quiet play and line-ups. Rotate staff to scan across flow lines, pause play when density rises, and teach pupils to call "heads up" and slow at corners. Redesign layouts if repeated collisions occur.
• Play equipment falls from height — Define age/height limits, set one-way climb/descend rules, and cap numbers per structure. Coach three-point contact and safe dismounts, post a spotter at peak times, and temporarily close equipment during rain or frost until a safety re-check is logged.
• Animal fouling and biohazards — Inspect and cordon contaminated patches, remove waste with PPE, disinfect surfaces, and rotate zones until safe. Close gates to prevent pet access and brief pupils to avoid puddles or soil likely to be contaminated.