2.2 Explain the procedures for safety checking in the playwork setting

This guide will help you answer 2.2 Explain the procedures for safety checking in the playwork setting.

Safety checking in a playwork setting is about making sure the environment, equipment and activities are safe for children and young people. It involves following clear procedures every day. These procedures need to follow legal requirements, national guidance, and the policies of the organisation. The check process should be consistent and recorded so that any hazards are spotted early and dealt with before harm can occur.

Safety checking does not mean removing all risk. Playwork supports children in managing risk themselves. The main aim is to keep hazards within safe limits, to avoid injury, and to promote a positive play experience.

Daily Visual Inspections

Daily visual inspections are often the first step in safety checking. This is a quick look over the play setting before children arrive.

Staff look for:

• Broken or worn play equipment
• Sharp edges or splinters on wood
• Loose bolts or screws
• Damaged mats or crash surfaces
• Litter, glass or other dangerous items
• Evidence of pests
• Obstructions to exit routes
• Weather-related hazards such as icy paths or slippery floors

These checks are recorded in a daily safety log. If something unsafe is found, action is taken immediately, such as removing equipment or closing off an area.

Formal Recorded Checks

Alongside daily visual inspections, there are more detailed recorded checks. These might be weekly or monthly and are set out in an organisation’s safety policy.

These include:

• Testing play equipment for strength and stability
• Checking surfacing for wear and tear
• Ensuring fencing and gates are secure
• Inspecting storage areas
• Checking electrical items for damage
• Reviewing fire extinguishers and smoke alarms

Results are written down in an inspection form. Any repairs or actions needed are marked clearly. These records show that the setting is following correct safety procedures.

Risk Assessment Process

Risk assessment is a key procedure in safety checking. This means looking at what could cause harm, and deciding whether controls can reduce the risk. Risks are graded by how likely they are to happen and how bad the injury could be.

Steps in the process:

• Identify hazards
• Decide who might be harmed and how
• Evaluate risks and decide on controls
• Record findings
• Review regularly

For example, if climbing equipment has loose ropes, you identify it as a hazard, decide children using it are at risk, choose to remove it for repair, record the action, and check it again after repairs.

Checking Indoor Play Areas

Indoor checks focus on space, furniture, and fittings.

Points to check:

• Floor surfaces are clean and dry
• No loose rugs or mats that could cause trips
• No trailing leads or cables
• Furniture is stable and in good condition
• Shelves are secure and not overloaded
• Play resources are stored safely
• Lighting is bright enough for safe play
• Heating is working without exposed hot surfaces

Indoor areas may need more frequent cleaning or tidying during the day, especially where messy play is encouraged.

Checking Outdoor Play Areas

Outdoor checks look for weather effects and physical wear. Surfaces can change quickly with rain, frost or heat.

Points to check:

• Ground surfaces are safe and level
• Drainage is working and no standing water is left
• Play structures are clean and undamaged
• Slides and swings are secure and smooth
• Sandpits have covers and sand is clean
• Gates and fences are locked or monitored where required
• Plants are safe and non-toxic
• Pathways are clear of debris

Outdoor areas often need more frequent checks during high use, or after periods without supervision.

Procedures for Play Equipment

Play equipment is a common source of injuries if not checked properly. Procedures involve looking at both the structure and how it is used.

Main actions:

• Confirm equipment is used for its intended purpose
• Inspect joins, welds and fixings for damage
• Test moving parts for smooth operation
• Check ropes, chains and nets for wear
• Check safety mats for correct placement and condition
• Remove or repair damaged items straight away

Children should be told if certain parts are out of use, and physical barriers such as cones should be used to keep them away until repairs are complete.

Procedures for Fire Safety

Fire safety procedures are part of overall safety checking. Playwork settings often have a fire safety log where regular checks are recorded.

Checks include:

• Fire alarm tests
• Emergency lighting function tests
• Fire exits clear and unlocked
• Fire doors close properly without obstruction
• Fire extinguishers in the correct place and within inspection date
• Escape routes displayed with clear signs

Staff should practise fire drills with children, and review performance after each drill.

Procedures for Hygiene and Infection Control

Hygiene affects safety in terms of preventing illness. Procedures are often linked to health and safety policy.

Checks include:

• Cleaning schedules followed and recorded
• Toilets and wash areas cleaned daily
• Hand soap and paper towels available
• Waste bins emptied regularly
• Kitchen areas kept tidy and sanitised
• Pest control measures in place
• First aid kits stocked and checked for expiry dates

During outbreaks of illness, cleaning regimes may be increased and some play resources temporarily removed.

Recording and Reporting Hazards

Recording hazards in writing helps managers track issues and repairs. Most playwork settings use hazard report forms as part of safety checking.

Procedures normally require:

• Writing down what was found and when
• Recording action taken and who did it
• Noting any repair dates or follow-up checks
• Keeping records in accessible files for inspectors and managers

Workers must report hazards to a supervisor immediately, especially if children could be harmed. Waiting could cause injury.

Staff Roles in Safety Checking

Staff have set roles in safety checks. Some roles may involve leading inspections, while others monitor during sessions.

Main points:

• All staff remain observant during play
• Named staff carry out scheduled checks
• Managers review records and sign them off
• Maintenance staff repair faults noted in checks
• Playworkers watch for changes in equipment use during sessions

Training ensures staff know what to look for and how to act on hazards quickly.

Child Involvement in Safety Awareness

Some procedures include involving children in safety awareness without putting responsibility on them.

Examples:

• Letting children help tidy up resources
• Teaching children to recognise unsafe items
• Discussing weather changes and how they affect play
• Encouraging children to tell staff if something is broken or unsafe

This builds awareness and gives children confidence to speak up about hazards.

Reviewing and Updating Procedures

Safety checking procedures must be reviewed regularly. This keeps them suitable for the setting and aware of new risks.

Actions include:

• Checking procedures after incidents to see what worked
• Adding new items to inspection lists when equipment changes
• Removing outdated checks that no longer apply
• Consulting staff for feedback on the process
• Updating manager and staff training to reflect changes

Keeping procedures current means they work effectively for the actual setting in its present state.

Legal Responsibilities in Safety Checking

UK playwork settings must follow the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and other laws.

This requires employers to:

• Protect staff, children and visitors from harm
• Provide safe equipment and environment
• Maintain safe systems of work
• Give staff information, training and supervision

Safety checking procedures support these legal duties. Keeping records shows compliance with legal standards.

Communication in Safety Checking

Communication is important for safety checks to work well. Staff must share information quickly and clearly.

Effective methods:

• Brief staff before sessions about current hazards
• Use noticeboards for safety updates
• Share inspection records with all relevant staff
• Use radios or phones to alert quickly during sessions
• Hold regular team meetings about safety

Poor communication can mean hazards are missed or not handled in time.

Emergency Procedures Linking to Safety Checks

Safety checks are closely linked to emergency procedures. If a hazard differs from normal risk, it could lead to an emergency event such as fire or injury.

Safety checking supports emergency readiness by:

• Keeping escape routes clear
• Ensuring emergency equipment works
• Confirming staff know where first aid kits are kept
• Checking that emergency contacts are up to date

Practice drills help confirm procedures work in real time.

Final Thoughts

Safety checking in playwork is a regular, practical process that protects children without removing the fun and challenge from play. It balances risk and safety, making sure that hazards are kept to a level children can manage with support. The process involves daily observations, scheduled inspections, risk assessments, clear communication, and well-kept records.

When all staff follow the procedures, hazards are spotted quickly, repairs are made in good time, and children have a safe space to explore and enjoy play. This approach builds trust between parents, children and the playwork team. It shows commitment to quality care and helps children thrive in a safe and stimulating play environment.