4.6 Trampoline/Inflatable/Ninja Obstacle/Aqua Parks

Commercial trampoline, inflatable, Ninja Obstacle and aqua parks are high-energy environments with an increased risk of injury. For this reason, these activities are classified as adventurous activities and must receive approval via EVOLVE as part of the visit planning process.

Visits should only proceed when appropriate safety standards, supervision arrangements and approvals are in place.

Trampoline Parks

This guidance applies to visits to commercial trampoline parks. It does not cover trampolining delivered as a structured gymnastics activity or sessions run through clubs affiliated with British Gymnastics, which follow separate guidance. Where trampolining is being taught as an activity, leaders should hold relevant coaching qualifications.

Final approval for visits rests with the Head/Manager, once compliance with relevant national guidance has been confirmed.

Currently, no trampoline parks hold a Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge. Therefore, obtain a Provider Form. Request evidence of compliance with British Standard EN ISO 23659:2022. Membership of recognised industry bodies may additionally help demonstrate good practice.

Inflatable/Ninja Obstacle Parks

Depending on the type of park, park safety is regulated through BS EN 14960, BS EN 1176 and/or BS EN 1177 standards, PIPA or ADIPS inspection schemes. You should obtain a Provider Form and request evidence of compliance with the relevant requirements/standards. Membership of recognised industry bodies may additionally help demonstrate good practice.

Final approval for visits rests with the Head/Manager, once compliance with relevant aspects of national guidance has been confirmed.

Aqua Parks

Inflatable aqua parks combine some or all of the elements above, with an open water environment.

When planning visits, you should:

• Select reputable providers with recognised safety standards, look for RLSS Approved Aqua Parks
• Obtain a Provider Form
• Confirm appropriate lifeguarding and safety supervision arrangements
• Collect and pass on information about swimming ability and water confidence
• Ensure both the pupils and staff and prepared for the experience
• Ensure staff are physically able and willing to support during the activity.

Pre-visit checks and clear supervision arrangements are essential to ensure that activities remain safe and well managed.

Deciding Whether to Visit Trampoline/Inflatable/Ninja Obstacle/Aqua Parks

Before planning a visit, you should:

• Consider whether similar learning outcomes can be achieved using a more structured, lower risk activity
• Check the employer’s policy, as some organisations may not permit visits to some/all of these types of venues
• Seek advice from the Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC) or Educational Visits Adviser if unsure
• Recognise the inherent risk of injury in these environments and plan supervision carefully
• Confirm that the venue meets recognised safety standards
• Check the visit will be inclusive
• Check there is no waiver for parents to sign, see seguidance on contracts and waivers
• Parents and participants receive clear information about risks and give informed consent

A pre-visit is strongly recommended to assess suitability, plan supervision and understand how the facility operates.

Where possible, you should consider booking private sessions/exclusive use to reduce crowding and allow better supervision.

Managing the Visit

You should ensure that:

• Roles and responsibilities between school staff and park staff are clearly agreed
• Supervision levels meet recommended standards, such as court monitor:participant ratio or lifeguard:swimmer ratio
• Participants should receive a clear safety briefing explaining rules for using the park Staff should plan their positioning carefully to maintain effective oversight of the group.

Leader Competence

For general recreational visits, leaders must still be competent to supervise, physically fit/capable to move around the venue rapidly, willing to participate (consider heights, water etc.) understand the park’s safety procedures and be able to respond promptly to incidents.