Play Equipment Inspections for Schools

idverde successfully delivered a large-scale programme of playground inspections across 197 schools in four regions of England, supporting schools in preparing their outdoor play areas for the safe return of pupils following the COVID-19 lockdown.

Delivered between November 2020 and March 2021, the programme required detailed planning and close collaboration with schools to complete inspections within a challenging timeframe while complying with national COVID-19 restrictions.

To ensure the project could be delivered efficiently, schools were organised into regional programmes, allowing inspection teams to optimise travel and scheduling. Rather than allocating fixed appointment dates, schools were provided with inspection windows of three to four weeks, offering flexibility while enabling the programme to be completed on schedule. The collaborative approach adopted by participating schools played a key role in the success of the project.

Following each inspection, idverde’s specialists assessed the condition of the equipment and identified any moderate or high-risk defects requiring attention. The findings enabled schools to prioritise essential repairs and maintenance before playgrounds were fully reopened to pupils. In total, the programme generated approximately £160,000 of recommended rectification works to ensure equipment met appropriate safety standards.

The successful delivery of the inspections reinforced idverde’s expertise in playground safety and compliance, with more than 70 schools choosing to continue working with the team for future annual inspection programmes.

The project demonstrates the importance of proactive inspection and maintenance in creating safe, reliable outdoor play environments that support children’s wellbeing, learning and development.