School Leaders

Outdoor Play at SMPS 

At South Melbourne Primary School, we understand the importance of outdoor play for our students’ wellbeing, social development and learning. While our onsite play space is limited, we make creative and thoughtful use of a variety of indoor and outdoor areas to ensure all students have the opportunity to be active every day. 

We rotate year levels through different spaces throughout the week, including: 

• The front playground 
• Kirrip Park 
• The Level 2 basketball court 
• The indoor gymnasium 
• The library and other indoor areas for quiet activities like reading for students unable to participate in physical activity 

Our staff carefully plan this rotation to ensure every class receives time for outdoor play. If a group has indoor activities at recess, they are scheduled for outdoor play at lunch to maintain balance. 

We are committed to providing students with daily opportunities to move, connect and enjoy a variety of play experiences, even within the constraints of our urban environment. 

Guidelines for Elevator Use and Outdoor Play Restrictions 

South Melbourne Primary School is committed to supporting the well-being and safety of all students, especially those with injuries, mobility limitations, or health concerns. To ensure fair and safe access to school facilities, we have set specific guidelines for elevator use and outdoor play restrictions for students who are temporarily or permanently unable to fully participate due to medical conditions. 

Elevator Use by Students 

To maintain fair access to the elevator in our multi-level campus, we ask families to follow these guidelines: 

• General Use: Students should use the stairs unless a physical injury or impairment prevents safe stair use. 
• Notification and Documentation: Parents must inform the school as soon as possible if their child requires elevator access. A medical certificate is needed to specify the injury and the expected duration of elevator use. 
• Supervision: Students who require the lift (e.g., those using wheelchairs, crutches, or moon boots) must be supervised by an adult at all times for safety. 
• Planning and Support: For serious or long-term conditions, we will adjust staff schedules to supervise lift use and create a Student Health Support Plan. Minor injuries will be managed with families for appropriate support. 
• Emergency Procedures: Alternate safety procedures are in place to ensure students who cannot use stairs are included in emergency evacuation plans. 

It would be assumed that if your child is unable to safely navigate the stairs, then their play activities will also be limited. 

Outdoor Play Restrictions 

To support students who are temporarily or permanently unable to participate in outdoor play due to medical conditions, injuries, or illness, we ask families to follow these guidelines: 

• General Participation: All students are encouraged to participate in outdoor play during recess and lunch unless medically restricted. 
• Notification and Documentation: Parents should notify the school as soon as possible if their child is unable to play outside. A medical certificate is required, detailing the nature and duration of the restriction. 
• Supervision Arrangements: Students with outdoor play restrictions will be supervised indoors during recess and lunch. We will adjust staff schedules to provide appropriate supervision and alternative activities. 
• Planning and Support: For students with serious or long-term medical needs, we will collaborate with parents and healthcare providers to develop a Student Health Support Plan. For minor injuries or short-term restrictions, we will work with families to provide suitable support. 

Additional Information for Medical Practitioners 

If your child’s medical practitioner is recommending elevator use and therefore restricted outdoor play, please inform them of our school’s multi-level layout and outdoor facilities. This will help them provide accurate recommendations regarding recovery and support. Information such as requiring access to use the lift to transition between learning levels, recommended indoor play to prevent student from engaging in excessive physical activities during playtime, any pain management medications required during the school day, and the duration of recovery period. The sooner we receive this information, the better we can make necessary arrangements to keep your child safe and engaged. 

Thank you for helping us support your child’s health and well-being during the school day.