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The not-so-secret risks of outdoor recreational activities
I went to one primary school and two secondary schools as a kid and got lucky. The playgrounds and outdoor spaces were nothing short of perfect. At lunchtime, I was an energetic, sporty kid using my jumper as a goalpost.
Whatever your school's provision is, the national picture for playground injuries is quite eye-opening. Across the UK, an estimated 40,000 children under 15 visit A&E yearly due to playground injuries. That’s about 770 weekly visits, many involving serious injuries like fractures.
According to RoSPA, 80% of playground accidents are falls, and broken bones make up around 84% of hospitalisations, especially in the upper limbs!
Equipment breakdown:
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Patterns of risk
Now, you might be thinking, 'Accidents happen,' and let us be clear: We're not trying to suggest that it is possible to eradicate accidents and stop kids from injuring themselves.
After all, accidents and injuries often teach us lessons we wouldn't otherwise learn. That is why awareness is at the heart of safety.
Without reliable data, you will not be able to determine where the risks really lie. Falls during breaktime, overcrowded equipment areas, or recurring injuries in one playground corner often remain invisible.
So, what do you do with your data once you've got it?
Real change: Schools investing in change.
Fairlight Primary, Brighton, is a compelling example.
Faced with tight grounds, they began using a local park for weekly sports sessions and worked with Opal Play to redesign their playground. Reports show improvements in well-being, fewer first‑aid incidents, and greater spatial awareness among pupils .
Across the country, councils have funded upgrades in school and public playgrounds, including resurfacing, modern equipment, and green playscapes that naturally slow running and reduce fall risk .
These changes highlight a growing understanding: better design reduces injuries before they happen, supporting your efforts to make school safer.
What you could do now
| Action | Purpose |
| Start termly “playground heat maps” using logged data. | Pinpoint locations or equipment causing repeated incidents. |
| Train staff to log consistently and meaningfully. | Go beyond “what” - record where, when and how. |
| Brief estates and maintenance teams using incident data. | Integrate your teams and create a team-building culture. |
| Involve student voice! Chat to students or your junior council members. | Encourages pupil ownership and awareness. |
| Share findings with parents and governors. | Shows commitment to safety, transparency and proactivity. |
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