Planning Your School Playground Layout: Key Considerations
A poorly planned playground can lead to safety issues, access problems, and wasted investment. To avoid common pitfalls, schools need to consider more than just which equipment to choose. This guide covers everything from location hazards to layout spacing, helping you create a play area that works from day one.
1. Choosing the Right Location
Before anything else, identify where your playground equipment will be sited. This will have a direct impact on safety, accessibility, and what types of equipment you can include.
Watch out for common site hazards:
- Overhead power lines – These present electrical hazards and may require minimum clearance distances
- Tree roots – Can disrupt surfacing and foundations or pose trip hazards
- Underground pipes or cables – May restrict excavation and installation
- Poor drainage – Can lead to waterlogging, unusable surfaces, and damaged equipment
- Secluded areas – May present supervision or safeguarding challenges
Each of these must be factored into your risk assessment and site planning process.
2. Selecting Compliant Play Equipment
Any equipment you install should conform to the BSEN 1176 safety standard for playground equipment. Look for:
- A manufacturer’s reputable credentials
- Provider’s guarantees that suggest a long-term confidence in their products
These certifications show that the product meets strict safety requirements — giving you peace of mind while also protecting your school from liability.
3. Choosing Appropriate Surfacing
Safety surfacing is critical in reducing the risk of serious injury and must meet the BSEN 1177 standard for impact attenuation.
Key things to know:
- The Critical Fall Height (CFH) of each piece of equipment will determine the depth and type of surfacing required
- Equipment under 60cm in height with no forced movement doesn’t need tested surfacing – though it still must be safe
- Well-maintained grass may be acceptable for equipment with a CFH of up to 150cm, if a detailed risk assessment confirms it is suitable
Ensure your supplier demonstrates a knowledge of these concerns.
4. Designing A Safe And Functional Layout
Poor layout is a leading cause of minor playground accidents – due to collisions either between children or with equipment. That’s why a well-considered layout is essential.
When planning your layout:
- Keep enough space between equipment to avoid overlap of fall zones and operating areas
- Adhere strictly to the BSEN 1176 guidelines for equipment spacing and safe zones
- Factor in how children will move between items
5. Managing Flow And Access
Playgrounds aren’t just used by children playing – others may be walking through or supervising. It’s important to design for a smooth, safe flow:
- Include circulation space for movement between equipment, especially where running or group play is expected
- Consider how equipment is grouped – avoid crowding or forcing children to run through high-risk areas
- Plan for inclusive access, complying with the Equality Act 2010 (formerly the DDA), by providing suitable pathways, gate widths, and gradients
6. Don’t Forget The Risk Assessment
Every playground installation must include a risk assessment, as required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
A comprehensive risk assessment should cover:
- The installation site and conditions
- Each piece of equipment and its fall zones
- Surfacing type and depth
- Potential safeguarding concerns
- Access for emergency or maintenance purposes
At Creative Play, we provide a full risk assessment as part of our post-installation inspection to ensure your new playground meets all legal and safety standards.
Need Help Designing Your New Playground Layout?
With so much to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Speaking to a Play Advisor can help narrow down the decisions you need to make based on space, goals, and budget.
Get in touch today for expert guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals by calling 01244 375 627 or via the Contact Form
Further Reading: Check out our guide on How To Design The Perfect Playground: 6 Golden Rules
Explore More Using The Ultimate Playground Design Guide Menu