Primary school playgrounds: features and management in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

This paper reports the results of an online survey of government primary schools conducted in June 2011 at Victoria, Australia. This study aimed to investigate how practical ways of individual school policy is impacting on playgrounds in the areas of playspace design, play equipment, rules and supervision of children during recess breaks. Data analysed in light of international and local research findings about children's play indicate that many schools are providing playgrounds with a wide range of play possibilities through provision of high quality, diverse playspaces incorporating natural features. It also shows that playground rules reflect teacher attitudes and understandings about children's play in the playground, demonstrating their belief in the need for surveillance and safety as paramount. This base line document is a foundation for future research and the large sample provides a ‘big picture’ against which individual schools can compare themselves.