View Full Version : wooden climbing frames
Tinglesnark
03-08-2009, 08:04 AM
dp has been desperate to get a wooden climbing frame for charlie (and ollie when he grows haha) and now thinks that he can rush off and buy one in the name of childminding resources...
thats fine and lovely and all that jazz BUT
Our garden isnt very large, it is lovely as it is but i think a climbing frame with a slide, swing and climbing wall is going to overpower it. im not sure the neighbours would be too happy as im sure itd block out the sun (if its on the grass) and there no way it would be safe to put on the decking (3 tiered garden)
another major thing is are they deemed safe? would the height be an issue and also placement...they must be on soft ground surely?
anyone know anything about rules and regs on this?
thanks
x
chewy sweets
03-08-2009, 11:56 AM
Would have thought it would need to be over a grassy area(Soft landing) but not sure. I haven't got a very big garden either. I have a few bikes and a crawl through tunnel. I don't plan on having slide/swings or climbing frame. But i live close to a park so they can play there!:thumbsup:
FussyElmo
03-08-2009, 12:08 PM
As long as they are on grass its fine no more than having a normal swing and slide set.
I want this one - once Ive won the lottery.
http://www.tptoys.com/OutdoorToys/Search-Catalog/search/kingswood%20full%20height%20tower/Sherwood-Tower-Climbing-frame-and-Swing-Set-1/SherwoodTowerandSwingSet1
We had one when we completed the garden and I called my inspector to register the garden, when he saw it he was ok about it but asked me to ensure that I checked the ages recommendations and didn't go over these and also told me to do a separate risk assessment that the parents needed to sign, this was for the whole garden as there were steps and it's on 3 tiers but I needed to include the climbing frame and ensure that the parents were happy that their children were ok to use it.
I would think that's it would be better on grass, not only for the soft landing but so that it can be secured easier. If you don't have grass then you could consider the foam base that they have in council parks, not sure where you can get these though.
If you want me to email a copy of the risk assessment letter that I get the parents to sign then let me know, you can adapt it if you like. I sort of refer to the learning and developmental advantages that this type of play equipment can provide whilst pointing out that although there are risks involved, we need to trust the children that, with our guidance, they can learn to protect themselves.
Chimps Childminding
03-08-2009, 04:45 PM
I am looking at buying the TP Forest climbing frame, slide and scramble net. You can make it low for lo's but higher as they get bigger (so I believe). I have purposly chosen one that doesn't have a swing as I don't like swings when there are a few children running around the garden (only my opinion :blush: )
Tinglesnark
05-08-2009, 06:33 PM
As long as they are on grass its fine no more than having a normal swing and slide set.
I want this one - once Ive won the lottery.
http://www.tptoys.com/OutdoorToys/Search-Catalog/search/kingswood%20full%20height%20tower/Sherwood-Tower-Climbing-frame-and-Swing-Set-1/SherwoodTowerandSwingSet1
thats what he wanted to get....
hmmmm
that risk assessment would be lovely mari thank you!
thanks for the replies folks!
x
Celtic Star
06-08-2009, 08:01 AM
We have a wooden play set with a climbing wall and when CC saw it she just made a passing comment about including it in my permission forms for children to use it.
this is a copy of the risk assessment that I give to parents and they sign it if they are happy with everything. MY inspector thinks it's ok. It does cover the whole of the garden, which is quite large with fairly high steps which concerned my inspector, which is why I needed to make a point of it.
Name of Child_____________________________________________ _________
As you are aware the garden is on 3 levels with steps leading to the upper tiers, the first of which is a grassed area for games and a further tier where we have a trampoline and a play centre.
We feel that we have created a superb setting in which children can play and have fun whilst assisting in their growth and development. It enables children to enjoy games such as football and rugby or even tennis and cricket and also to enjoy the multi play centre which has swings, monkey bars, climbing ropes and slides as well as a separate trampoline which is large enough for children to run and practise endless gymnastic tricks.
Unfortunately, there are risks with such activities and although we ensure that the equipment is in good order, accidents can and will happen. I will supervise the children closely at all times and make them aware of the risks. Some of the equipment is for ages 18 months and over and I will ensure that no child under the age of 5 would be on the equipment without close supervision.
The steps could be a cause for concern as they are fairly high and made of concrete.
On days when I have children of many different age groups I might feel that it is necessary to close the upper tiers off as it would mean that I would be unable to supervise all the children closely enough, therefore I have decided to install a gate at the bottom of the steps. This will allow the children to use the bottom tier only. Here we have equipment for younger children to enjoy such as a playhouse, Little Tikes Climbing frame and a slide.
Children have to be allowed to develop and grow and during their childhood and I am sure that you are aware that there are risks that they can injure themselves on a daily basis. Take learning to walk for instance, how many times did your child fall down. As I said, there are risks in every day life and we cannot wrap our children in cotton wool, although we can try to guide them and show them the dangers so that they can protect themselves.
I strongly believe that we have to give each child the opportunity to develop and take certain risks and trust that children can and will be able to perform tasks with caution if they are taught correctly. This will not only help children to develop their motor skills but also their confidence and self esteem.
After pointing out the risks that I have noticed I still feel that our garden is a wonderful world of play that your child can use to their hearts content whilst spending time in my setting.
Please take a close look at the area and see for yourself. Please point out any risks that you might feel would need making note of and bring it to my attention.
If you are still happy for your child to use the garden, under supervision, then please could you sign below and return to me at your earliest convenience.
Parent Signature………………………………..... .................................................. ...
Childminder Signature………………………………..... ........................................
Tinglesnark
02-09-2009, 09:48 PM
thank you mari! my garden is also on 3 tiers but i have been able to stair gate it as it is decked.
not going to get one of those frames now as im sure we can do without but that permission slip is ace, than u!
x
claireLouise
02-09-2009, 09:59 PM
we have an outside woodern play area and I was required to include the area as part of my garden within my household risk assessment.
We used safety flooring which we bought from Costco and online. This provides safety levels equivalent to council play areas and was recommended by the manufacturers of the activity centre. You can never be too careful. We have had one incident where a child was pushed from the top:eek: and because of the flooring only got a scratch.
Hope this helps.
Claire
Pipsqueak
02-09-2009, 10:02 PM
My hubby made our climbing frame in the garden and its HUGE (luckily I have a big garden and lovely neighbours).
The highest part the kids stand on must be 9ft from the ground.
Its a safe as we make it - its grassed underneath, the kids are given rules and regs of safe use etc etc and they love it. Its currently decorated in pirate style