Resources: Know how - Insuring children's play

1. Play wouldn't be play without some element of risk and adventure.

Children will push themselves, experiment and rise to challenges. Sometimes things go wrong. It is important to minimise the risk of hurt or injury far as possible, with good management practices. But play providers also need to take out suitable insurance to meet the costs of any financial liability that arises from injury or damage.

2. Employers are required by law to have employer's liability insurance. This will cover most categories of staff and volunteers, but not the users of facilities. For them, you will need public liability insurance. You might also need professional indemnity insurance, in case of someone claiming financial loss as a result of advice you have provided. Then there is the obvious fire and theft insurance. Motor insurance isn't just needed for playbuses. If staff are going on outings or giving people lifts you will need to consider them. Projects providing food and drink may find their general policy does not cover it. You will need additional product liability cover.