Play is an essential part of childhood; it helps children to develop physical strength, coordination and balance. Appropriate play can also provide children with opportunities to learn and develop:

• Social skills, including learning to communicate, share, collaborate and empathise with others.
• Imagination and creativity through deciding what games they play and how the games will be played.
• Problem solving skills as they assess risks and tackle new challenges.
• A sense of self as they master new skills and play with other children which brings about an improved confidence in their own physical and social abilities, and;
• A sense of connection to place, to friends and to their local community and environment.

Injuries can occur during play which means that safety precautions do need to be taken into consideration. However, safe play does not have to mean boring! Play should provide children with a fun and exciting experience that allows them to explore and challenge themselves.

For more information on the importance of play and how to prevent injuries in the playground, please view our fact sheets below.

Resources

A Risk Management Approach
AS 4685 Impact Areas Ready Reckoner
Barriers, Guardrails and Handrails – Protection Against Falling
Bike Tracks
Fencing Playspaces
Impact Areas
Main Changes AS 4422 and AS 4685.0 
Mounds for Play
Moveable Play Equipment
Natural Playspaces
Outdoor Gyms
Playground Safety Management System
Playground Surfacing
Portable Mats
Sandpits
Shade in Playspaces
Slides
Stepping Stones
The Importance of Research for Playground Development
Timber in Playspaces
Tree Climbing

Children on wheels

Safe play in the backyard

Snow and ski safety

Trampoline safety

Videos