Seaside Playcafe is designed to be a safe, calm and happy place for babies and young children to play. These Rules of Play help everyone enjoy their visit. By entering the venue, you agree to follow the rules below and accept responsibility for your child’s behaviour and safety during your session.

1. Supervision is required at all times

• Children remain under the direct supervision of a parent or responsible adult at all times.

• Our team are here to support the venue and safety standards, but they are not a replacement for supervision.

• Please stay close enough to intervene quickly if your child needs help, becomes upset, or is playing unsafely.

• Adults are responsible for ensuring children use equipment in the intended way and follow these rules.

2. Socks are mandatory for everyone

• Socks must be worn by all visitors, including children and adults.

• Bare feet are not permitted in any play areas.

• Socks help reduce slips and keep our play surfaces cleaner for everyone, especially babies and toddlers.

3. Age appropriate play and gentle behaviour

Our play areas are designed for young children. Please support gentle, considerate play.

• No pushing, pulling, hitting, spitting, biting, climbing on others, or rough play.

• No tackling, play fighting, or chasing games.

• Use inside voices where possible, especially around babies and in calmer spaces.

• If your child is repeatedly unsafe or disruptive, we may ask you to take a short break or end your session early to protect other families.

4. Safety gates and play zones must be respected

• Please use gates properly and close them behind you.

• Do not climb over gates or barriers.

• Encourage children to stay within their appropriate zones and not to enter areas they are not ready for.

• Our venue has capacity limits for comfort and safety. Please follow staff guidance if a space needs time to settle.

5. Under 1s baby area and sensory room etiquette

These spaces are calmer by design.

• The baby area is intended for ages 0 to 1 and gentle play. Older children should not enter.

• Please keep voices and movement calm in the sensory room.

• Remove shoes, keep socks on, and keep items tidy so the space remains safe for the smallest visitors.

• Food and drinks are not allowed inside these areas unless staff have confirmed an exception for a medical need.

6. Soft play, slides, play maze and active equipment rules

To keep active play safe:

• No climbing up slides. Please use the stairs or designated entry points.

• One child at a time on a slide unless it is clearly designed for side by side use, and only if safe spacing is maintained.

• No blocking slide exits or sitting at the bottom of slides.

• No climbing on the outside of the play frame or nets.

• No hanging, swinging, or using equipment in a way it was not intended.

• Encourage children to wait their turn and be mindful of younger or smaller children.

7. Ball pools, small items and choking safety

• Ball pools are for play only. Balls must not be thrown at others.

• Do not bury or cover babies or younger children.

• Small toys should stay in their play area and be used as intended.

• If your child has a habit of putting items in their mouth, please supervise closely.

8. Role play huts and shared toys

Our themed role play huts are about imagination and shared play.

• Please encourage children to share and take turns.

• Toys and props must stay inside the huts unless staff advise otherwise.

• Do not stand, jump or climb on role play furniture.

• If something breaks or becomes unsafe, please tell a team member straight away.

9. Food and drink rules

We want mealtimes to be safe, fair and easy for everyone.

• Food and drink are available to purchase from the café.

• Children may consume food and drink brought from outside if needed.

• Adults may only consume food and drink purchased from Seaside Playcafe.

• Hot drinks must stay in the café seating area and out of play zones.

• Please clean up spills promptly and let staff know so we can help prevent slips.

10. Allergies, dietary needs and medical considerations

• Please tell us about severe allergies or medical needs before your session where possible.

• We cannot guarantee an allergen free environment, as children and families may bring permitted items for children and café items are handled onsite.

• If your child requires medication such as an inhaler, EpiPen or emergency medicine, it must remain with the supervising adult at all times.

• If a child becomes unwell during the session, they should be removed from play areas and supervised closely.

11. Illness and hygiene

To protect babies and young children, please be considerate.

• Please do not visit if your child has sickness or diarrhoea, a high temperature, or signs of a contagious illness.

• If your child becomes sick during your visit, please notify staff immediately.

• Use the changing facilities provided and dispose of nappies appropriately.

• Please wash or sanitise hands after toileting, changing, and before eating.

12. Prams, bags and personal belongings

• Please keep prams in designated areas and out of walkways where possible.

• Bags, coats and personal items must not be left on play equipment.

• Seaside Playcafe cannot accept responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged personal belongings.

• For safety, do not bring sharp items or glass into the venue.

13. Photography and respect for other families

• Please be respectful when taking photos or videos.

• Avoid photographing other children or families without their permission.

• Staff may ask you to stop filming if it impacts the privacy or comfort of others.

14. Respectful behaviour towards staff and visitors

• We are proud to be a family friendly venue. Rude, aggressive or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.

• Please follow team member instructions, they are there to keep the venue safe and running smoothly.

• If there is a concern or a dispute, speak to a team member calmly so we can resolve it quickly.

15. Damage, misuse and cleaning charges

• Adults are responsible for any damage caused by their child through misuse or unsafe behaviour.

• Intentional damage or repeated misuse may result in the session being ended early.

• Excessive mess that goes beyond normal child play may incur a cleaning charge where appropriate, we will always explain this clearly first.

16. Right to refuse entry or end a session

To protect families and maintain safety standards, Seaside Playcafe reserves the right to:

• refuse entry if capacity is reached, rules are not followed, or safety is compromised

• end a session early if behaviour is repeatedly unsafe or disruptive

• remove visitors who are aggressive or do not comply with staff requests

Where possible, we will always aim to resolve concerns calmly and fairly first.

17. Liability and acceptance of risk

Play involves movement and, like any active environment, there is a risk of minor bumps, slips and falls. By entering and using the play areas:

• you accept that play carries normal risks

• you agree to supervise your child and support safe play

• you agree that Seaside Playcafe is not liable for injuries arising from failure to follow these rules, misuse of equipment, or lack of supervision

Nothing in these rules limits liability where it cannot be limited under applicable law.

18. Keeping play joyful

Our goal is simple: safe, fun and purposeful play for every child. Thank you for helping us keep Seaside Playcafe a welcoming place where little ones can explore, imagine and grow.

If you ever need help during your session, please speak to a member of the Seaside Playcafe team.