Soft Play for Nurseries and Schools: A Buying Guide (2026)
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Quick answer: For a nursery or school, choose soft play with firm, high-density foam, wipe-clean covers with zips that close fully, and pieces sized for your youngest children. Buy a few versatile shapes (steps, ramp, wedge, arch) plus a ball pit rather than lots of small items. A useful starter set costs roughly £160 to £400, and a larger multi-piece set around £1,550. Check the cleaning instructions before you buy, because that's what decides how a set holds up in a setting.
Nurseries, childminders, pre-schools and primary schools make up a big share of the trade enquiries at Soft Play Market. They're buying for heavy daily use, on a fixed budget, with cleaning routines and inspections to think about. This guide covers what to look for when you buy: durability, cleaning, age suitability and budget. If you're planning where the area goes and how to lay it out, see our guide to designing a soft play area in a nursery or school room.
What should a nursery look for in soft play equipment?
| Feature | What to look for | Why it matters in a setting |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | Firm, holds its shape when you press it | Soft foam sags under daily use and becomes unstable to climb on |
| Covers | Wipe-clean covers, or removable fabric covers | You'll clean them daily |
| Zips | Close fully, tuck away or are covered | Stops children opening covers and reaching the foam |
| Size | Low for babies, step heights suited to toddlers | Lowers fall height for the youngest children |
| Weight | Light enough for staff to move, heavy enough not to slide | Staff rearrange and clean the area every day |
| Safety information | Age range, material details, EN 71 for toy items | Goes into your risk assessment |
For a closer look at checks you can do when the set arrives, see how to tell quality foam and covers from cheap sets.
Which pieces give the best value?
Versatile shapes get used in more ways and for longer:
- Steps and ramp: crawling, climbing and sliding for under-3s.
- Arch or tunnel: crawling through, hide and seek, imaginative play.
- Wedges and cylinders: rolling, balancing and obstacle courses.
- Ball pit: sensory play, sorting colours and counting games.
- Soft seating: pouffes or a small sofa for story time and quiet moments.
How much does nursery soft play cost?
| Budget | What you get | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Around £160 to £280 | 3 to 5-piece shape set | Bearly Shape Set, from £159.95 for 3 elements to £276.95 for 5 |
| Around £300 to £400 | Foam set with ball pit, or steps and slide with pit | Step & Slide set with square ball pit (£383.85) |
| Around £1,550 | Large multi-piece set for a whole play area | Party soft play set, light pastel (£1,549.95) |
| Balls for larger pits | 750 balls per box, one colour | £142.50 per box, less per ball at 3, 7 and 14 boxes |
Delivery is free across the UK, and you have 30 days to return items.
Which cover material is easiest to clean?
Smooth wipe-clean covers are the quickest to clean between sessions. Textured fabrics such as corduroy, boucle and velvet-look covers look softer and suit calmer rooms, but they need more care; check whether the cover is removable and how it should be washed. If your setting has strict daily cleaning, choose smooth covers for the most-used pieces. Our guide on what to use on PVC and fabric covers covers products and methods.
Which ball pit and balls suit a nursery?
A round foam pit of 90cm diameter suits most rooms; a larger 120cm pit works for bigger groups. Our 7cm balls are made in the EU, free from PVC, BPA and phthalates, and EN 71 tested. 7cm is the size we recommend for babies, and you shouldn't use balls smaller than 6cm for under-3s. Wash balls in warm water with mild washing-up liquid in mesh bags or a bath, air-dry fully, and avoid washing machines, bleach and very hot water. See the ball pits collection.
What paperwork should a setting keep?
- Product information: age range, materials and cleaning instructions.
- Your risk assessment for the area.
- A cleaning log and a pre-session check record.
- Notes of any damage and repairs or replacements.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Follow your local authority, inspectorate and insurer guidance.
How long will it last in a nursery?
That depends on use and care more than anything. Firm foam, good covers and a cleaning routine that doesn't use harsh chemicals all help. Our guide to how long soft play equipment lasts covers the signs it's time to replace a piece.
Frequently asked questions
Is soft play suitable for babies in a nursery?
Yes, with low, wide pieces, a shallow ball pit and constant supervision.
Can we order on account or with an invoice?
Email info@softplaymarket.co.uk to discuss, or see our trade programme.
Can we mix colours across a set?
Sets come in fixed colourways. For balls, each 750 box is one colour, so you can build your own mix.