Play Care and Equipment Policy
Wise Owls Childcare recognises that play is fundamental to a child’s healthy development—physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Our approach integrates indoor and outdoor play, ensuring children have access to stimulating environments that foster creativity, independence, and well-being.
Aims of the Policy
- Provide a variety of engaging and enjoyable activities that promote holistic development – looking at the whole child and how their needs, interests and feelings connect.
- Support child-initiated play and encourage independence.
- Ensure play is inclusive, culturally aware, and free from stereotyping.
- Maintain a safe, hazard-free environment indoors and outdoors.
- Support health and well-being through active play and exposure to natural environments.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is a vital part of our daily routine. We aim for children to have ample outdoor play each day, with free-flow access between indoor and outdoor areas.
Benefits of Outdoor Play:
- Enhances physical fitness and motor skills.
- Promotes problem-solving and decision-making.
- Reduces anxiety and supports mental health of staff and children
- Provides exposure to vitamin D and natural sensory experiences.
- Encourages social interaction and emotional development.
- Facilitates exploration of the natural world.
Outdoor Play Requirements:
- Children must wear appropriate clothing: raincoats, wellies, sun hats, and sun cream.
- Activities are planned to meet diverse interests and developmental needs.
Indoor and Outdoor Toys & Equipment
We provide a wide selection of age-appropriate toys and equipment that meets all areas of learning
Equipment Standards:
- All items meet safety standards and are regularly inspected.
- Damaged or hazardous items are removed immediately following the process.
- Toys are made from a variety of materials including natural, recycled, and man-made.
- Resources are stored to minimise damage and ensure accessibility.
- Play equipment and resources which promote continuity and progression and sufficient challenge
- Sufficient storage so resources and equipment can be displayed for children to independently choose and/or stored away safely and then rotated
- Appropriate risk assessments and checks on all resources and equipment before first use to identify any potential risks and again at the beginning and end of every session.
Inclusivity and Diversity:
- Toys and books reflect positive images of all races, cultures, and abilities.
- Materials are selected to promote equal opportunities and acceptance.
Health and Safety
- A garden risk assessment is completed before outdoor play and staff communicate with children about any risks and keep themselves safe
- Children are supervised at all times with appropriate staff ratios along with a paediatric first aider always present
- Headcounts are conducted when transitioning between areas and periodically during sessions.
- Risk areas are cordoned off and reported to the Manager for repair.
- Staff supervise children on large apparatus to ensure safety and discuss the risks with children to self manage
- All staff are responsible for regular maintenance and equipment checks.
Play Planning and Review
- Activities are adult and child led, age appropriate and children’s interests are planned for
- Children’s ideas and feedback are welcomed and incorporated.
- Staff observe and review play practices to optimise learning experiences.
- Planning is informed by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 7 areas of learning.
- A sufficient quantity of equipment and resources are in place for the number of children attending the session
- Children are encouraged to play safely, put away after use and respect the resources
Cleaning and maintaining of all resources and equipment
We repair or replace any unsafe, worn out, dirty or damaged equipment whenever required. Our staff role model and discuss how to use and look after equipment and resources. Staff will risk assess equipment before placing out for the children and inspect when placing the items away.
We encourage children to put resources back where they belong after use. We will often use pictures on storage to support the children to do this.
Resources will be cleaned regularly following the equipment cleaning process.
Please follow hygiene policy in regards to cleaning.
Last reviewed July 2026