Routine Maintenance and Inspections
In order to provide for optimum safety, it is the policy of Kids Come First to regularly inspect the outdoor space. The Daily and Monthly Checklist for general maintenance and inspection will be conducted by a designated staff member from the Preschool and/or School Age programs and filed for examination at any time. This checklist does not cover a complete safety evaluation of the equipment, design and layout.
Repairs and Maintenance
All items identified in the checklists as requiring repair will be documented in the repair log and repaired or addressed in a timely manner in the Repair Log.
Documentation on the repair log will also include:
- the date the issue was identified;
- documentation of what steps and efforts have been taken to address any identified items which cannot be repaired immediately due to circumstances out of the child care centre’s control; and
- the date the related repairs were completed.
- Where outdoor space or playground repairs cannot be completed immediately, the area or space requiring repairs will be sectioned off to prevent children from using that area in order to protect their safety and reduce the risk of injury. Children will be supervised at all times during outdoor play to ensure that they do not approach or use spaces that are sectioned off pending repairs.
- Any repairs requiring alterations or renovations to the playground premises will not begin until site or playground plans are approved by a Ministry of Education Director.
Playground Safety Log
Kids Come First has developed a detailed Playground Safety Log (Log) that will record all inspections and plan of actions. The Log shall be available for examination at anytime. This log will record the following details:
- Daily visual inspection checklists;
- Monthly maintenance inspections;
- Annual inspection with a comprehensive written report;
- All plans of action relating to repairs, removal or installation of equipment, including dates, time frames and companies used.