As the summer holidays come to an end, many parents have been busy with new uniforms, school shoes, and the excitement (and nerves!) of another school year. But there’s something else we need to keep in mind as our children return to school: their safety at play.

For children, playgrounds are places of laughter, adventure, and imagination. But as one little boy’s story shows, even a small defect in playground equipment can have a big impact.

Noah’s accident

It was early September, and three-year-old Noah was waiting with his mum to collect his older brother from school. Like many children his age, he couldn’t resist the pirate ship climbing frame in the playground.

As he slid down, Noah’s finger got trapped in a small gap between the side and base of the slide. His mum had to pull hard to free him. He had to be taken to hospital later that day.

What seemed like a harmless bit of play resulted in surgery, stitches, and months of recovery for a little boy who was only just starting nursery.

The bigger picture

Regular checks had been done just days before the accident, but the issue hadn’t been spotted. After the accident, the school quickly fixed the problem so it couldn’t happen again.

While Noah has made a strong recovery, he still sometimes struggles with discomfort in cold weather, and he carries a small scar as a reminder.

Why this matters for parents

Most of us don’t think twice when our children run towards the swings or slides. We trust schools and nurseries to keep playgrounds safe. And in most cases, they do. But Noah’s story is a reminder that things can be missed, and that even a small gap can cause a serious injury for tiny hands.

As the new school year begins, it’s worth remembering:

• Schools and councils are responsible for regular and thorough checks of playground equipment.
• Parents should feel reassured that equipment is safe, not left worrying about hidden risks.
• If something doesn’t look right — a loose bolt, a sharp edge, or a gap in equipment — don’t hesitate to raise it with staff.

Keeping play safe and fun

Children need play. It’s how they learn, grow, build friendships, and burn off all that boundless energy. But safe play should never be left to chance.

Noah’s case shows why it’s so important for schools to stay on top of playground safety, especially as children pour back into playgrounds after the summer break. A quick check could be the difference between a happy slide down and a trip to A&E.

So this September, as you wave your children off at the school gates, take a moment to glance around their playground too. Because safe play means happy children, and peace of mind for parents.

A quick playground safety checklist for parents

When you’re dropping off or collecting your child, take a moment to look around the school playground. Here are a few simple things to watch for:

1. Loose or broken parts – check for wobbly bolts, cracked plastic, or splintered wood.
2. Gaps and spaces – small fingers can get trapped in narrow gaps between panels or slides.
3. Sharp edges – look out for exposed metal, nails, or screws.
4. Wear and tear – equipment that looks old, faded, or damaged may need extra attention.
5. Ground surface – make sure there’s safe flooring under climbing frames (e.g. rubber mats or soft tarmac).

If you spot anything that looks unsafe, raise it with the school straight away. Most schools are quick to act, and a small comment could prevent a serious accident.

Need legal advice?

If you need to speak to someone about an injury, our team of experts are on hand. Call 0800 138 0458 , email help@switalskis.com or fill out the form below.