Recess/Playtime Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• 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.
• Inadequate supervision and sightlines — Set duty rota and zones with radio contact, place staff to cover blind corners and equipment backs, and run headcounts at start/finish. Provide high-vis identifiers, carry incident cards, and swap roles mid-break to avoid attention lapses.
• Litter, glass or sharps on grounds — Sweep play areas before the first break, use litter-pickers and puncture-proof bins, and report broken glass for immediate cordon and removal. Teach pupils to alert staff, not touch, and reward classes that keep zones clear.
• 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.
• Heat and UV exposure — Check the UV index each morning, shift vigorous games to shade in peak hours, and allow hats and refillable bottles. Provide sunscreen prompts per policy, build short cool-down breaks, and move lines/queues under canopies in hot spells.