Choosing the right playground equipment is an important decision that can impact not just the visual appeal of your outdoor space but also the safety, wellbeing and development of your pupils. With such a bewildering range of options available today, this article looks at ten things you need to consider when choosing school playground equipment.
- Safety
Safety has to be the foremost concern when considering upgrading your playground. To ensure your equipment is safe, it should conform to BS EN 1176 standards. You should also check for features like rounded corners, secure anchorages and non-toxic materials. Regular maintenance, like checking for wear and tear and ensuring stability, is vital to prevent accidents. To guarantee your playground is fit for purpose, all equipment should have an annual inspection by a fully qualified RPII inspector.
- Age appropriateness
Choosing age-appropriate equipment is important to ensure the playground caters for the needs and interests of the children that will use it. For EYFS pupils, consider low height climbing frames, play towers and messy and water play apparatus, while for older children, more complex structures like climbing walls, trim trails obstacle courses, sports markings and rope challenges would be more suitable.
- Inclusive and accessible design
While your choice of equipment is important, so too is making the playground accessible and inclusive. Look for equipment that accommodates wheelchairs, especially tables which are important for socialising around. Pay attention too, to the levels of the playground and the routes of pathways. Sensory play elements, that are tactile, colourful and make noise can engage children that have sensory processing needs.
- Quality and durability
Purchasing and installing playground equipment should be viewed as a long-term investment. For this reason, you should pay close attention to the quality of the items you purchase. Given the heavy use they are likely to receive over the years, structures need to be sturdy, and materials should be hard-wearing, weather-resistant and made to last. A reliable provider will back this up with warranties and excellent customer support.
- Educational value
Many schools use their playgrounds for multiple purposes, including as an outdoor classroom. While virtually all types of play equipment can have an educational value, there are now a plethora of products for specific curriculum subjects, including maths, English and science. From science investigation tables and weather stations to story reading corners and outdoor percussion instruments, schools have plenty of options to extend learning beyond the four walls of the classroom.
- Physical fitness
Outdoor play can significantly boost pupils’ physical development and fitness, especially when there is equipment that facilitates and motivates participation. In an age when children’s access to physical play is waning and cases of childhood obesity are on the rise, it is important to choose equipment that encourages a range of movements, for example, climbing frames, balance beams, stepping games and sports markings.
- Creativity and imagination
Creative play is crucial for cognitive development, especially in younger children. Themed playground equipment, like castle-styled play towers, pirate-themed playboats, and underground tunnels can spark imaginative roleplay, while outdoor stages can provide a platform for storytelling, dance and drama.
- Space and layout
When purchasing new playground equipment, it is important to consider how space is used. While lots of equipment might keep the kids entertained, you need to ensure it doesn’t become overcrowded and hazardous. At the same time, there needs to be space for children to run around and quiet zones for groups to sit and talk. You should also consider the flow of movement and sightlines for supervision. One of the best ways to organise a playground is to create zones, each with a focus on a different type of play, e.g., quiet zones, sports zones, climbing areas and so forth.
- Aesthetic appeal
An attractive playground can boost a child’s mood and willingness to engage. Bright colours can be stimulating, while natural materials, like wood, can be calming and help blend with the school’s natural outdoor environments. Whichever style you go for should be inviting to the school community – and appeal to potential future parents and pupils.
- Budget
The purchase and installation of new playground equipment can be expensive, especially if this also requires additional groundwork and surfacing. It is important, therefore, to consider the budget carefully and look at ways of raising additional funding. Many schools hold fundraising activities, seek the help of PTAs and bid for grants to help them create new playgrounds.
To help manage the costs, it can be a good idea to get advice from your playground provider. The ESP Play sales team will help you create a playground that gets the most from your budget.
Conclusion
Choosing school playground equipment requires balancing safety, pupil needs, inclusivity and budget. By considering the ten factors mentioned in this post, you should have a clearer understanding of what you need to do to create a playground that not only meets safety standards but also enriches the lives of your students.
For more information about our wide range of high-quality playground equipment, visit our Products Page.
