Apply for assessment

Become a Good Play Zone

This is the first step towards independent assessment. Complete the self-assessment below against the full Good Play Zone Standard, and our team will review it, ask for evidence, and arrange your assessment. Only assessed venues carry the mark.

Looking for the free option? Sign the Good Play Pledge instead. It is open to any setting where children play.

1 · About your venue

Tell us who you are. This is the information we use to build your directory listing.

2 · Your contact details

Who should we contact about this application?

3 · Self-assessment against the Good Play Zone Standard

For each criterion, choose the rating that best reflects your venue today. Criteria marked Essential must be fully met to be certified. Be honest: if you are not there yet, that is fine, and we will help.

Standard 1 · Developmental range & the play pyramid

Breadth of play types Essential
Experiences across all four areas of the play pyramid, not solely physical or soft play.
Age and stage coverage
Provision is appropriate and clearly zoned for your stated age range, with distinct provision for younger children where relevant.
Balance of active and calm play
Children can move between high-energy play and quieter, restorative play, with a designated calm area.
Open-ended play opportunities
Some provision allows child-led, open-ended play (loose parts, role-play, construction or creative resources).

Standard 2 · Play variety & quality

Graduated challenge
Equipment and activities offer a sensible progression of challenge so children can stretch themselves safely.
Condition and maintenance Essential
Play equipment and resources are clean, well maintained and fit for purpose.
Refresh and rotation
The offer is refreshed, rotated or updated so regular visitors encounter variety.
Sensory richness
Play engages a range of senses through varied textures, sounds, light or materials.

Standard 3 · Inclusion & accessibility

Physical accessibility Essential
The venue is physically accessible, with step-free routes to key areas and accessible facilities.
Support for additional needs Essential
Provision or adjustment for children with SEND, such as quieter sessions, low-sensory spaces or inclusive equipment.
Relaxed or quiet times
The venue offers, or is working towards, relaxed sessions or quieter periods for families who need them.
Inclusive and diverse environment
Signage, imagery and resources reflect and welcome a diversity of families and abilities.

Standard 4 · Safety, care & wellbeing

Supervision approach Essential
A clear, communicated approach to supervision and to who is responsible for children at all times.
Safeguarding basics in place Essential
Current safeguarding and staff-checking arrangements appropriate to the setting.
Cleanliness and hygiene
Play areas, toilets and food areas are visibly clean, with a hygiene routine in place.
Comfortable for the whole family
Adults have somewhere comfortable to sit and see their children, with a food or refreshment offer that supports a positive visit.

Standard 5 · Staff knowledge & engagement

Understanding of play value
Key staff can explain, in plain terms, why the play on offer is good for children's development.
Play-positive interactions
Staff engage warmly with children and families and support, rather than restrict, good play.
Ongoing development Essential
Staff receive induction or ongoing training that includes the value of play.
A named play champion
The venue has, or commits to naming, a member of staff responsible for play quality and the Good Play Zone relationship.

Standard 6 · Family communication & Good Play Guide content

Communicating developmental value
Families are helped to understand what their children gain from playing, through signage, prompts or online content.
Displaying the Good Play Zone mark Essential
The venue commits to displaying the Good Play Zone badge accurately and prominently, online and in venue.
Sharing Good Play Guide content Essential
The venue links to or shares Good Play Guide guidance with its customers, on its website, social channels or in venue.
Gathering family feedback
The venue gathers family feedback and is willing to contribute anonymised insight to the Good Play Zone research network.
4 · Declaration

This self-assessment assesses developmental quality. It complements, and does not replace, your statutory duties on health and safety, safeguarding and insurance, which remain your responsibility.

We review every application before listing. We will be in touch at the email you provided.

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