Designing Safe and Compliant Childcare Outdoor Spaces
Safe and engaging outdoor play areas are essential for every childcare program. To protect children and support healthy play, outdoor spaces must follow specific safety standards and inspection requirements. Below is a summary of the key regulations and best practices for maintaining compliant, safe, and well-designed childcare play areas across Canada.
Playground Standards
Safety, Policies, and Inspection
Childcare operators must have a playground safety policy that follows CSA guidelines. Regular inspections are required to keep the play area safe and in good condition:
Daily: Quick visual checks for hazards.
Monthly: Detailed inspections to identify wear or damage.
Yearly: Full safety inspection of all equipment and surfacing.
Any issues found must be logged, repaired, and documented — including what was fixed and when.
Design and Location
Each child care centre must provide an outdoor play space for children.
Whenever possible, the play area should be next to the building.
The space must be fenced or enclosed to protect children from nearby hazards like roads or parking lots.
The design should allow staff to always see and supervise all children.
Hazard and Weather Rules
Outdoor play must be cancelled or adjusted if:
There is extreme weather (very hot, cold, windy, or icy conditions).
Equipment or surfaces are damaged or unsafe.
Hazards such as sharp edges, tripping risks, or unstable structures are found.
Unsafe areas should be blocked off or closed until they are repaired.
Record Keeping
All inspection and repair records must be kept for several years. These need to be available if the Ministry of Education asks to see them.
Common Outdoor Hazards
Falls: Insufficient surfacing or unsafe heights.
Entrapment: Openings where a child’s head or body could get stuck.
Sharp objects: Exposed screws, nails, or broken parts.
Entanglement: Ropes, cords, or drawstrings catching on equipment.
Tripping hazards: Roots, uneven ground, or poor drainage.
Worn materials: Rust, rot, or weather damage.
Accessibility issues: Uneven surfaces or narrow paths.
Fence problems: Broken gates or gaps.
Environmental hazards: Nearby traffic, water, insects, or toxic plants.
