Playground Safety Cos Cob School

How were the rules established? The playground rules were established after consultation with the playground manufacturer, coordinator of physical education and the physical education staff. Rules were made with the developmental abilities of the average child in mind.

It is vital that the rules are followed at all times, not just during recess. Consistency is the key to ensuring the safety of all children on the playground.

The established rules are . . . The small, “fitness playground” is for students in grades 2-5 only . . .

as are the climbing walls . . .

the green log . . .

and the monkey bars.

Safety = Common Sense

Slides Down only Stay seated, feet first One at a time Do not jump off slides or slide down support poles

Swings Stay seated while swinging Do not jump off a moving swing Do not twist the swings or swing sideways Do not climb the support poles Only one person on a swing at a time Everyone should swing in the same direction facing playground

Dome Do not hang upside down on the dome without holding on with your hands as well as your knees Do not jump off the top of the dome

Monkey Bars One person on the bars (rings) at a time Everyone should start on the same side and move across in the same direction When you drop from the bars, bend your knees and land on two feet

Climbing walls One climber at a time The next climbers needs to wait until the person on the wall reaches the top and is off the wall before climbing (prevents a foot in the face!) Never jump off the rock walls

Thank you! Supervise your children closely when you take them to the playground. This is vital to playground safety. Be active in ensuring they’re following the established rules by walking around, encouraging and praising them for safe play. This will also allow other children and parents to see that you are being vigilant. This goes a long way in curbing unsafe behavior. Don’t allow your child to push the limits of the equipment. . . (swing too high, jump from high structures etc.). Make playground safety a priority!