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Daily Health & Safety Inspection of Indoor and Outdoor Play Areas**

Purpose

To ensure all childcare facilities are maintained in a clean, safe, and hazard-free condition by conducting and documenting daily health and safety inspections of indoor and outdoor play areas.

Scope

This SOP applies to all childcare facilities, including all indoor classrooms, indoor play spaces, and outdoor play areas used by children.

Responsibility

  • The Director or Designee is responsible for ensuring inspections are completed and documented.

  • Assigned Staff Members are responsible for conducting inspections, correcting hazards, and reporting concerns immediately.

  • All Staff must comply with this SOP before allowing children to use any play area.

Procedure

Step 1: General Facility Condition

  1. Ensure the facility is:

    • Clean and sanitary

    • In good repair

    • Free from health and safety hazards

    • Free from evidence of vermin or infestation

  2. If evidence of infestation or serious safety hazards is identified:

    • Immediately restrict access to the affected area

    • Notify management

    • Initiate corrective action before use

Step 2: Daily Indoor Play Area Inspection

  1. Conduct an inspection daily before children use the indoor play area.

  2. Inspect for the following:

    • Clean floors, surfaces, and equipment

    • Safe and intact toys and materials

    • No broken furniture or sharp edges

    • Clear walkways and exits

    • No exposed cords, choking hazards, or toxic materials

  3. Document the inspection on the Daily Indoor Play Area Inspection Log.

  4. If any hazard is identified:

    • Correct the issue immediately, or

    • Close the area until repairs are completed

Step 3: Daily Outdoor Play Area Inspection

  1. Conduct an inspection daily before children access the outdoor play area.

  2. Inspect for the following:

    • Safe playground equipment and fencing

    • Absence of broken equipment, sharp objects, or debris

    • No standing water or unsafe surfaces

    • Proper ground cover and fall protection

  3. If a hazard is found:

    • Correct the issue immediately

    • Do not allow children to use the area until the issue is resolved

Step 4: Corrective Actions

  1. Any identified problem must be:

    • Corrected before children use the area

    • Reported to management if immediate correction is not possible

  2. Document corrective actions taken, if applicable, on the inspection log or maintenance report.

Step 5: Documentation & Record Retention

  1. Maintain Daily Indoor Play Area Inspection Logs on-site.

  2. Inspection documentation must be retained for a minimum of 12 months.

  3. Records must be available for review by management, licensing authorities, or inspectors upon request.

Compliance

Failure to complete daily inspections, correct hazards, or maintain required documentation may result in corrective action and could place the facility out of compliance with licensing regulations.