The purpose of this policy is intended to ensure that the playground is a safe environment with age appropriate activities and meet requirements set out by the Canadian Standards Association standard CAN/CSA Z614-14, “Children’s Playground and Equipment.”
Denison Child Care Centre’s playground safety policy is as follows:
During supervision of outdoor play, the staff are required to provide a safe play environment, promoting creative and constructive play for the children. These activities will be posted on the weekly program plan.
Staff ratios cannot be reduced on the playground. Staff will be located in key areas of the playground (e.g. sandbox, climber stairs, foot of slide) to ensure a safe play environment. Staff will not be located together – conversation will be minimal. Playground injury reports will be documented with an accident form as well as recorded in the classroom communication log.
A Playground Safety Log will be maintained on a daily basis and is the responsibility of opening shift staff. The Supervisor will document monthly and seasonal inspections. An annual inspection will be completed by a professional playground safety inspector. These inspections will be filed for confirmation of their completion. Also, an action plan is to be included related to the findings of these inspections.
A playground repair log is kept and updated to reflect any changes or repairs. Every effort will be made to address any defect these includes all reasonable steps to be taken to restrict children access to damaged equipment. All new equipment or new renovations, repairs or replacements will be installed to meet the CSA Standard. Confirmation will be on file, verifying that all changes meet the Standard and is verified in writing by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector.
An outdoor staff schedule and outdoor program plan will be posted and available for staff and parents. The outdoor program plan will provide for games and activities that will enhance gross motor play, the daily program and provide creative stimulation.