Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground - School Visits

Guidance for Schools and Large Groups

Booking Requirements
If you are intending to bring a group to the playground it is important that you contact the playground manager to log your visit as soon as possible as there may be dates when the playground is already at capacity. This enables the team in manage extremely high visitor numbers.

To book your visit or for more information, please email dianaplayground@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk. Please include the following information in your booking email: contact person (name and contact phone number), date of visit, number and age of children, ratio of carers to children and visiting times.

Once full details are received and availability checked your booking will be confirmed via e-mail. Please note that on busy days we may have no option but to refuse entry to groups turning up without a prior booking confirmation. Please be aware of this restriction to avoid children being disappointed when entry is refused.

Parking Arrangements
No mini bus, coach or private vehicle is permitted access directly to the playground.

Playground Conditions of Entry
Upon arrival any group in excess of 10 should report to the playground staff to register their visit. Please enter your school name and contact number into the diary. Please advise staff of the duration of your visit and whether any of your school party has special needs. The minimum supervision level is one member of staff to eight children. On fine sunny summer days when the playground is busy or where you have children below 5 years of age we require a 1:5 adult/child ratio. Failure to meet this staffing requirement may result in your group being refused entry.

Groups of 40 or more are required to split into 2 groups with one group using the playground and the other the surrounding areas of Kensington Gardens with the two groups changing over halfway through the visit.

If you intend to picnic with your group we advise that you all exit the playground and use the larger open spaces around the playground.

If any of the adult carers leaves the playground with the intention of returning, please ensure the playground staff are aware of this otherwise problems with regaining access may occur. Children should not be allowed to enter or leave the playground without an adult carer.

Before children enter the playground for the first time we request you inform your pupils that we do have a code of conduct:

• Exclusive use of any one piece of equipment or area is not permissible.
• Running and chasing in-groups will endanger other children.
• Playing in the shrubberies can risk an injury to eyes. Please keep out.
• Playing with sticks, throwing stones and sand is dangerous.
• Avoid Jumping off heights where others are running around below.
• The toilets are not games rooms, play outside.
• Organised games and team sports are not permitted within the playground.
• Enjoy yourself and let other children too.

Safety Note
There is one gate in and out of the playground. It is suggested that at least one staff member stays near to the gate to ensure no child in the group attempts to leave the playground. The playground is a garden with compartmented areas and a group of children cannot be supervised from one vantage point. Please ensure your supervising staff spread out so the whole playground has visual cover.

Risk Assessments and safety notes
If you are required to carry out a risk assessment prior to your visit to the playground you can enter as an unaccompanied adult between 9.30am - 10.00am before the playground opens to children. This facility is available seven days a week.

Toilets
Please supervise your group of children as other children and parents also use this facility.

Drinking water/Refreshments
There is a drinking water tap located on the edge of the water feature. There is also an onsite catering kiosk selling drinks, ice creams and light meals.

Assistance
The playground staff will assist with First Aid. Please report when a child has been injured. In the event of a serious incident please alert the playground staff or call the Police Tel. 0300 123 1212 or dial 999. School groups are advised to bring a first aid kit with them to deal with minor incidents.

Following your visit if you have encountered any difficulties please let us know so we can try and improve on our arrangements.

It is recommended that you count your children at the beginning and end of your trip and at anytime you intend to leave the playground.