Northland School Board of Trustees

Playground Policy
 

Rationale

Play is essential for the social, emotional and physical development of children. It is important that the playground and recreational resources are available fairly to all students.

Purpose

• To provide a safe, stimulating environment where children can take part in recreational activities that promote physical, social and emotional growth.
• To ensure that students and staff are aware of the behavioural expectations and safety requirements of the playground.
• To ensure that all students can feel happy, safe and secure in the playground.

Guidelines

• A clear schedule of behavioural expectations and safety requirements will be discussed with each class at the beginning of the school year.
• A duty roster will be organised for staff with two staff members on duty during interval and three at lunchtime.
• Duty staff are responsible for monitoring the behaviour of students to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
• Duty staff should take immediate action in the event of an accident, but first-aid staff should take over as soon as possible to enable the duty person to remain on supervisory duty.
• Duty staff should encourage students to maintain and protect the environment, and to play safely.
• Duty staff should identify and reinforce students interacting in a positive manner whenever possible.
• Supervision of lunch is the responsibility of class teachers until 12.40pm. Children should remain seated until 12.40pm, when they will be dismissed after the area has been checked for cleanliness. Junior children should be encouraged to remain until they have eaten a sufficient amount.
• The playground policy and the playground procedures apply to all students until 3.15pm.
• Any hazards identified by staff when on duty to be reported immediately to the office.

Desired Outcome

A co-operative, active and safe playground where each child feels included and able to choose their recreational activity.

See also: Sun Protection Policy

Approved: 7 March 2011

Review Date: 2014