Playground Supervision: Ten Tips for Improving Playground Safety.
by Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer, The Recess Doctor
10 Tips for Improving Playground Supervision
Serious accidents which occur in schools typically happen on the playground, and often playground supervision is a contributing factor. In fact, approximately 200,000 accidents each year send children to the emergency room for treatment of an injury which occurred on the school playground. The following tips are designed to increase the quality of the playground supervision in your school, ensuring that children are safe on your playground.
1. Adequate Playground Supervision
The National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) recommends the playground supervision ratio of adult supervisors to children should mirror classroom ratios. If the class size is at 32, then there should be one playground supervisor for every 32 children. Yet, I rarely see this ratio maintained.
2. Staff Training
Rather than thinking of “how many playground supervisors do I need”, it might be best to think about sending qualified and trained supervisors to the playground. In my travels around the U.S., most playground supervisors report they have not received any training in how to supervise the playground. When a child is injured on the playground, one of the first questions an opposing attorney will ask is, “Were the supervisors trained?” It is generally expected they will receive training in how to effectively perform their duties.
3. Playground Procedure for Emergencies
After the Sandy Hook tragedy, parents are looking for schools to ensure students’ safety inside and outside the classroom. Schools routinely conduct fire drills and other emergency drills monthly. Yet, few schools inform students of what to do, should an emergency situation occur when they are outside. Check with an administrator for procedures to follow in this situation and your role as a playground supervisor.
4. Communication with Office
Walkie-talkies or cell phones are some of the best ways for a playground supervisor to keep in communication with the office. At least one playground supervisor on the playground should have a means of contacting the office and getting assistance out to the playground. Some schools purchase walkie-talkies for this situation. Other schools designate someone to use their cell phone, should additional assistance be needed on the playground. It is important to point out that an adult should never leave children unsupervised on the playground, even in the case of an injured child. Call the office or 911 for assistance and direction.
5. Daily Custodial Inspections of the Playground
Schools are often used by outside groups in conjunction with “joint use agreements”. It is not unusual for a school to offer an after-school program on campus, which may or may not be affiliated with the school. Additionally, sports teams and athletic leagues often use school fields for practices and games. When the general public is allowed on campus after hours, it is important for school personnel to inspect the field area each morning prior to students arriving. A quick sweep of the play area can ensure that broken glass or other hazardous materials are removed.
6. Choking Hazard
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning regarding strings in hooded sweatshirts. Although this is less of a problem today than it was 5 years ago, some sweatshirts still tie around the wooded area and could result in a choking hazard, should the rope get caught on a play structure. Removing the rope or string from the hood is a safe solution.
7. Supervisors Should Move Around the Playground
Playgrounds should be split into supervision zones. It is the role of the playground supervisor to move within their supervisor zone. Obviously, the number of supervisors may determine the number of supervision zones you implement. By splitting the playground into zones, it allows for better positioning for supervising. Supervisors should be positioned in different supervision zones, and supervisors should not be standing near to each other or conversing, as it draws their attention away from their assigned task.
8. Supervisors Are Not Play Facilitators
It is important to distinguish between the responsibilities and roles of playground supervisors and playground play facilitators. Playground supervisors have the responsibility of “keeping all children safe” on the playground. Play facilitators (on the other hand) have the responsibility of encouraging and leading games and activities. It is nearly impossible to effectively supervise students while also being tasked to organize games at the same time.
9. Have a Substitute Playground Supervisors’ Guide
When an adult is brought in to supervise the playground and has little or no training, it is beneficial to have a Substitute Playground Supervisors’ Guide available to them. This guide should list recess and lunch schedules, names of the administrator or supervisor to contact should assistance be needed, a listing of games rules, and playground rules and procedures, at the very least. ( A How-To Guide for Playground Supervisors includes a Substitute Playground Supervisors’ Guide. It is available for instant download upon purchase.)
10. Train Supervisors in What To Do Should an Injury Occurs
Playground accidents and injuries occur frequently on the playground. Some injuries require further medical attention by the school nurse or acting health clerk (sometimes the school secretary). When a student is injured, it is typically best to leave them lying on the ground until he/she can get up unassisted or additional personnel is called. Pulling a child up may cause further injury.
Dr. Bossenmeyer is an expert witness when a child is injured at school. She points out that in 40% of injury cases, inadequate supervision is thought to be a contributing factor.
UPDATE on Playground Supervision
“Active supervision is a strategy that works; it helps ensure safety and positive play experiences. It requires adult supervisors who are alert, are aware, know safe playground rules, and intervene when inappropriate behavior occur. Supervision is the active, yet unobtrusive, monitoring of the play environment.” National Program for Playground Safety.
Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer is an expert witness for cases involving supervision, and playground injuries. She point out, “Playground supervision plays a critical role in keeping all kids safe at school. Yet, only a small number of playground supervisors receive any training on their roles and responsibilities. It is not uncommon as a result of the lack of training injuries occur. But proactive supervision and planning can reduce the likelihood of an injury that results in the threat of a lawsuit because of inadequate playground supervision.”
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Informative article Melinda! An estimated 500,000+ children are injured in playgrounds every year. While playground supervision should be well designed, leaving no blind spots, it’s also important to teach children the importance of waiting your turn and not pushing and shoving to get others out of their way.
I liked that you said that there must be a supervisor in a playground for every 32 children to ensure their safety. Actually, my husband and I bought a new property that has really spacious lawn, and we are thinking of installing an outdoor playground next month for our two children. We will be sure to always be on the lookout whenever they are playing around. Also, we will start looking for a playground equipment supplier.
This is a recommendation from the National Program for Playground Safety.
Ensuring adequate supervision and proper training for playground supervisors is essential for child safety. It’s crucial to establish clear communication channels and emergency procedures, especially during outdoor activities. Implementing supervision zones can enhance oversight and minimize risks, providing a safer environment for children to play and learn.