Proper supervision leads the way to safety

Child climbing on jungle gym

Inadequate and improper supervision are some of the leading root causes of accidents that result in a child’s unintentional injury. Whether children are on the playground or inside your facility, proper supervision is the key to providing them with a safe environment.

As Joe L. Frost mentions in his book, Children and Injuries, inadequate or improper supervision is a common source of litigation brought against early education teachers, administrators, and programs where unintentional injuries have occurred.

An association often exists between the nature and intensity of supervision required in any situation and factors such as a child’s age, developmental abilities, behavioral propensities, type of activity, setting, and the adult’s supervisory capabilities.

As Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards highlights, parents have a contract with caregivers to supervise their children. To be available for supervision or rescue in an emergency, an adult must be able to hear and see the children. Taking that a step further, caregivers should position themselves so they are in close proximity to the children they are supervising.

If a room is too large to maintain close proximity supervision, cordon it off with child-proof gates or reduce the hazards available to a child. For example, stack chairs to prevent a child from climbing on them, or place things out of children's reach.


The Consumer Product Safety Commission's Handbook for Playground Safety outlines these key points for playground supervision:

  • The quality of supervision depends on the quality of the supervisor’s knowledge of safe play.
  • Playground supervisors should be aware that not all playground equipment is appropriate for all children.
  • If you use off-site playgrounds, supervision involves directing children to equipment appropriate for their age.
  • Preschool-age children require more attentive supervision on playgrounds than older children.

You are the best person to evaluate which child requires closer supervision than others. A 5-year-old child may not be developed enough to play in a playground area designated for 5-12 year olds. Move that child to the 2-5 year old play area if necessary.

Finally, it's important to know of any medical or emotional conditions children in your care may be experiencing, and whether they are taking any medication for it. Also find out if the parents have elected to take the child off the medication. This can be critical information toward planning your supervision efforts.

Child climbing on jungle gym

This "document” is intended for general information purposes and should not be construed as advice or opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. The content of this document is made available on an “as is” basis, without warranty of any kind. This document cannot be assumed to contain every acceptable safety and compliance procedure or that additional procedures might not be appropriate under the circumstances. Markel does not guarantee that this information is or can be relied on for compliance with any law or regulation, assurance against preventable losses, or freedom from legal liability. This publication is not intended to be legal, underwriting, or any other type of professional or technical advice. Persons requiring advice should consult an independent adviser or trained professional. Markel does not guarantee any particular outcome and makes no commitment to update any information herein, or remove any items that are no longer accurate or complete. Furthermore, Markel does not assume any liability to any person or organization for loss or damage caused by or resulting from any reliance placed on this content.

Markel® is a registered trademark of Markel Group Inc.  

© 2023 Markel Service, Incorporated. All rights reserved.


Was this helpful?

Tags