Playbook
What is BS EN 1176, and what does it mean for schools?
BS EN 1176 is the European standard for playground equipment, adopted in the UK by BSI. It sets safety requirements for design, manufacture and installation, with separate parts for swings, slides, cableways and other types, and Part 7 covers installation, inspection, maintenance and operation. It is not law in itself, but it is the benchmark HSE, insurers and courts use. Its partner standard, BS EN 1177, tests safety surfacing.
Read itWhat playground grants can schools apply for?
Few national grant schemes fund schools directly. Most playground money comes from the school's own capital budget, the PTA, local trusts and company…
2 November 2026
How often should school playground equipment be inspected?
Schools should run three levels of playground inspection: routine visual checks by staff (weekly at least, daily where use is heavy), operational…
2 November 2026
What is risky play, and is it allowed in schools?
Risky play is play where children test their limits: climbing high, going fast, balancing, rough and tumble. It is allowed in schools and the Health…
2 November 2026
What are good school playground ideas on a real budget?
The best school playground ideas solve a problem you can see at break: too much football, nowhere quiet, nothing for older pupils, mud all winter…
2 November 2026
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