Many schools use bouncy castles and inflatable play equipment during fetes, fundraising events, sports days and celebrations. To support schools in planning these activities safely, the Bouncy Castles/Play Inflatable Guidance (Info Sheet 03) has been updated.
The guidance provides practical advice on:
- Hiring or purchasing inflatable equipment
- Verifying PIPA or ADIPS compliance
- Pre-use operator safety checks
- Safe operation and supervision requirements
- Weather monitoring and wind speed limits
- Annual inspection requirements
- Training expectations for operators
- Questions schools should ask when hiring inflatable equipment
- A new pre-event checklist to support planning and record keeping
Key points include ensuring equipment is correctly anchored, supervised by competent attendants, regularly inspected, and removed from use if wind speeds exceed manufacturer limits or 24mph (38km/h), whichever is lower.
Updates to the EEC Bouncy Castle Risk Assessment Template
To support implementation of the new guidance, the EEC Bouncy Castles/Inflatables risk assessment template has also been updated. Two new questions have been added:
Q: Have staff organising this activity read Somerset Council’s Guidance for Schools – Info Sheet 03: Bouncy Castles/Play Inflatables and agreed to adhere to it?
This helps ensure that event organisers are aware of the latest safety expectations and have considered the control measures outlined within the guidance.
Q: First Aid Arrangements
It is recommended that a dedicated First Aider is at the inflatable for responding to any first aid incidents that occur.
What schools should do
If your school is planning an event involving a bouncy castle or other inflatable play equipment:
- Read the updated Info Sheet 03 guidance.
- Review and update any existing event plans.
- Use the latest EEC Bouncy Castles/Inflatables risk assessment template.
- Ensure a competent operator is identified.
- Confirm a dedicated First Aider will be present at the inflatable.
- Retain evidence of inspections, insurance and PIPA/ADIPS compliance where applicable.
