How to Write a Soft Play Risk Assessment for a Nursery or Venue
Share
Quick answer: A soft play risk assessment follows the HSE's five steps: identify the hazards, decide who might be harmed and how, decide on controls, record what you found, and review it. For each hazard (falls, collisions, ball pit hazards, entrapment, hygiene, fire and evacuation), write down who is at risk, the controls you already have, anything extra you need to do, who does it and by when. Review it at least yearly and whenever you change equipment or there's an incident.
Nurseries, schools and venue owners adding soft play often ask Soft Play Market whether there's a template. There isn't an official one for soft play, but the HSE's standard approach works well, and the hazards are fairly predictable. This guide shows how to structure the assessment and gives a worked example table you can adapt. It's general guidance, not legal advice.
Do you need a written soft play risk assessment?
Employers must assess risks under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and businesses with five or more employees must record the significant findings. Registered early years settings also have risk assessment requirements under the EYFS. Even where writing it down isn't strictly required, insurers and parents increasingly expect it, and a written assessment is the easiest way to show you've thought it through.
What are the five steps of a soft play risk assessment?
- Identify the hazards. Walk the area and watch a session. Think about the equipment, the space around it, how children actually use it, cleaning and emergencies.
- Decide who might be harmed and how. Babies and toddlers, older children, children with additional needs, parents, staff (lifting, cleaning, entering frames).
- Evaluate the risk and decide on controls. List what you already do, then what else is reasonably practicable.
- Record your findings. Include actions, who is responsible and a target date.
- Review and update. At least yearly, and after any incident, near miss or change of equipment or layout.
What hazards should a soft play risk assessment cover?
| Hazard | Who is at risk | Example controls |
|---|---|---|
| Falls from climbing pieces or slides | Children, especially toddlers | Low-level equipment for under-5s; soft flooring or mats around pieces; slide run-out kept clear; feet-first rule |
| Collisions between older and younger children | Babies and toddlers | Separate age zones; age limit signs; staff or parent supervision; capacity limit |
| Ball pit: hidden objects, broken balls, small balls | Babies and toddlers | Daily rake-through; remove cracked balls; 7cm balls only, never under 6cm for under-3s; no toys in the pit |
| Entrapment in gaps, netting or between pieces | Children | Daily inspection; push pieces together; repair netting; no cords or lanyards |
| Damaged covers, exposed foam (biting, choking) | Babies and toddlers | Daily inspection; remove damaged pieces until replaced |
| Infection spread | Children, staff | Cleaning schedule; ball washing routine; no food in the area; illness and spill procedure |
| Trips on loose items and mat edges | Children, adults | Mats joined flat; tidy-up routine; balls kept in the pit |
| Fire and evacuation | Everyone | Area included in the fire risk assessment; exits kept clear; staff know how to get children out of the area |
| Manual handling | Staff | Light pieces; two-person lifts for large items; storage at sensible heights |
| Hot drinks and food nearby | Children | No food or drink in the area; tables away from the play edge |
Add hazards specific to you: a nearby door, a step, a radiator, a window, or a route staff use with trays.
How do you write the controls and actions?
Be specific. "Supervise children" is weak; "A member of staff is in the soft play room whenever it is open, and no more than eight children use it at once" is a control you can check. For each hazard, record:
- Existing controls.
- Further action needed, if any.
- Who is responsible (a role, not a name).
- Target date and date completed.
Your rules sign, inspection checklist and cleaning schedule are all controls, so reference them. Our guides to soft play rules and daily soft play inspection cover those parts.
How does fire safety fit into a soft play risk assessment?
For non-domestic premises, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires a fire risk assessment. Add the soft play area to it: foam and fabric are combustible, so think about where the equipment sits, ignition sources nearby, exit routes and how you'd evacuate small children. Ask the seller what fire safety information is available for the foam and covers rather than assuming.
Does equipment choice reduce risk?
Yes, and it's the most effective control because it doesn't depend on people remembering a rule. For under-5s, low foam pieces with rounded edges and soft walled ball pits remove most fall and impact hazards. The soft play sets and ball pits we sell to nurseries and venues are floor-level and light enough to move for cleaning. For ball top-ups, our 7cm balls come in boxes of 750.
How often should a soft play risk assessment be reviewed?
At least once a year, and whenever you add or change equipment, change the layout or age groups, or after an accident or near miss.
Can I use a generic template?
A template is a good starting point, but the assessment must reflect your space and how it's used. Walk the area and watch a session before signing it off.
Can you help with equipment for a nursery or school?
Yes. Email info@softplaymarket.co.uk or see our trade programme.