- Purpose
This policy sets out the procedures and safety requirements for the use of bouncy castles and inflatables at First Kick Football. It ensures compliance with the HSE (2021) Guidance on Inflatables, BS EN 14960 standards, the EYFS 2023 (paras 3.65–3.66), and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
- Essential Documentation
All inflatables must be operated by a competent person and supported by:
– A Design Review against safety principles.
– A current Declaration of Operational Compliance (DOC).
– An Operations Manual (including pressure measurements).
– A Maintenance Manual.
– A record of annual inspection by a competent body.
- Risk Assessment
A site-specific risk assessment must be carried out before each use, covering:
– Over-enthusiastic use – constant supervision, no rocking.
– Overloading/tipping – no users over 90kg (14 stone); separate groups by size/age.
– Weather – switch off in heavy rain; never use in winds above 24 mph (38 kmph); use an anemometer, not weather apps.
– Surfaces/anchorage – impact mats in place, all anchor points secured with stakes or ballast.
– Prohibited users – no pregnant persons, anyone under the influence of alcohol/drugs, or with back/heart conditions.
– Clothing/items – no shoes, glasses, jewellery, sharp objects, food, drink, or chewing gum.
– Behaviour – no climbing on walls/beams, no flipping or somersaults, safe entry/exit only.
– Fire safety – no smoking or barbecues nearby; fuel for blowers stored safely; fire extinguisher available.
– Emergency – in case of serious injury, do not move the child, leave inflatable running, call 999 immediately.
- Setting Up and Supervision
– Only the correct blower may be used, checked for safe condition.
– Connection tubes, blowers, and anchor points must be secure.
– Mats must be positioned at entrances/exits.
– Inflatable must look symmetrical — if deformed, do not use.
– Continuous supervision by a trained adult is required at all times.
– Staff must monitor numbers, ages, and sizes of users.
- Operator Responsibilities
The operator is responsible for ensuring:
– The inflatable is located away from hazards such as powerlines.
– The ground surface is clear, safe, and protected by sheets where needed.
– Blowers/generators are checked and fuelled safely.
– All inspections (initial test, annual inspection, in-service inspection) are up to date and recorded.
- Recording and Safeguarding
– All bouncy castle use must be logged in the Daily Risk Assessment Log.
– Any incident, injury, or near miss must be recorded in the Incident Log.
– Concerns that raise safeguarding issues must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by changes in legislation, standards, or following an incident.