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PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): Playground Supervision

Title: Playground Supervision
Department: Operations

 

Purpose

To provide clear guidelines for the safe supervision of children during outdoor play, minimizing risk of injury and ensuring compliance with state regulations and program safety standards.

 

Scope

This SOP applies to all staff responsible for supervising children during outdoor activities on school premises.

 

Responsibilities

  • Classroom Teachers & Assistants:

    • Maintain active supervision and accurate child counts.

    • Monitor behavior, use of equipment, and interactions.

  • Directors/Administrators:

    • Ensure staff are trained on playground procedures.

    • Conduct regular playground inspections and maintenance.

 

Procedure

1. Pre-Playground Preparation

  • Complete a daily playground inspection checklist before allowing children to enter:

    • Check for broken equipment, trash, pests, or unsafe conditions.

    • Ensure all gates are closed and locked if required.

  • Confirm that each child has weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.

2. Staff Positioning

  • Distribute staff strategically to ensure full visibility of all children:

    • One staff at the climbing structure.

    • One near any exit points or open gates.

    • One ā€œrovingā€ supervisor walking the area.

  • Maintain required staff-to-child ratios at all times.

3. Active Supervision

  • Remain standing and scanning the playground ā€” no sitting or chatting with other staff.

  • Interact with children while observing others to prevent unsafe play.

  • Use positive language to redirect risky behavior (e.g., ā€œLetā€™s try climbing feet first!ā€).

  • Do not use cell phones, personal devices, or other distractions.

4. Transitions

  • Count children before entering, during transitions, and before returning to class.

  • Have children line up and perform a final visual sweep of the playground.

  • One staff leads, one stays in the middle (if large group), and one brings up the rear.

5. Weather & Equipment Safety

  • Cancel or modify outdoor play if:

    • Temperatures are below 40Ā°F or above 90Ā°F.

    • There is lightning, strong wind, or visible hazards.

  • Remove or restrict access to equipment that appears damaged or unsafe.

 

Emergency Situations

  • If an accident occurs:

    • Administer first aid and notify the front desk via walkie-talkie or designated signal.

    • Complete an incident report and submit it before end of shift.

    • For injuries to the neck up or involving bites, immediately bring the child to the front desk.

 

Documentation

  • Submit daily playground inspection checklist to the front desk or designated binder.

  • Report any equipment issues to administration for follow-up and maintenance.

 

Compliance

Failure to follow playground supervision protocols may result in corrective action, up to and including termination, depending on severity of the infraction.