Expert warns parents to check little-known safety issues with garden play equipment before half term

A child-safety expert has warned that many parents may be unaware of the limits of safety standards when buying and maintaining a trampoline for their garden, as families prepare for February half term and more time spent playing outdoors.

In the UK, trampolines sold for home use are expected to meet recognised safety standards, most commonly EN 71-14, which sets basic requirements around frame strength, padding and weight limits. Products should also carry UKCA or CE marking, showing they meet consumer product safety rules.

However, safety organisations stress that these standards represent a minimum baseline, rather than a guarantee of how a trampoline will perform over time. Regular checks and maintenance are essential, even when equipment meets the rules.

According to Olle Göransson, founder of play-equipment company North Trampoline, parents are often reassured by labels and price without realising what they do and do not cover.

“If a trampoline costs less than a phone, it probably should not be in your garden,” says Göransson. “That price difference usually reflects what you cannot see, like weaker frames, lower-quality springs and materials with a shorter lifespan. Those are not cosmetic details, they affect how the trampoline behaves over time.”

“A cheaper trampoline can end up costing families far more in the long run. When frames loosen or key parts fail, it is rarely a simple repair. Most parents end up replacing the whole trampoline after a few years, which is frustrating, expensive and often avoidable.”

He says winter is often when hidden issues start to show.

“Safety standards are important, but they are only the starting point,” he explains. “They show a trampoline has passed a test, not how it will cope after months of use, changing ground conditions and colder temperatures.”

Göransson says parents often underestimate how much wear and tear can affect a trampoline. “A new car can have a five-star safety rating, but if the brakes stop working after three years, that rating doesn’t mean much. It’s exactly the same with a trampoline.”

Here’s the trampoline MOT every parent should do now

Just like a car needs an annual MOT to stay safe, the same principle applies to trampolines. Regular checks help ensure everything is working as it should, so children are jumping on equipment that is healthy, secure and safe. Olle advises to follow this checklist to make sure your trampoline is in good condition.

Frame and legs

Look for any movement, bending, cracks or rust, particularly where the legs meet the frame. If the trampoline does not feel solid when pressed down, that is a sign to stop using it until it is checked.

Springs

These are the engine of the trampoline. Any broken, stretched or very loose springs should be replaced. Worn springs don’t just affect safety, they also reduce the quality of the bounce. And just as no one enjoys driving a car that doesn’t run properly, children are far less likely to use a trampoline that feels flat or uneven.

Our research shows a clear link between bounce quality and usage: the better the bounce, the more the trampoline is used. And that’s the whole point, getting kids outside and active.

Padding

Cold and damp conditions can cause padding to harden, crack or shift. Padding should fully cover springs and frames at all times.

Jump mat

Check the jump mat for any holes or tears. Small holes, up to around the size of a £1 coin, can usually be repaired, but larger holes mean the mat should be replaced. If damage is left unfixed, the mat could tear further while someone is jumping.

You should also check the seams around the edge of the mat where the D-rings attach to the springs. If the stitching is coming loose or damaged, the jump mat should be replaced.

Safety nets

Check the safety net for sagging, tears or weakened stitching. Nets can quietly degrade over time, particularly when exposed to wind, rain and UV from the sun. If the entrance uses a zip, make sure it opens and closes properly.

Gently pull the bottom of the net to ensure it does not stretch beyond the edge of the trampoline. This helps prevent a jumper from sliding into the outside of the top rail if they fall into the net.

Ground stability

Make sure the trampoline is level and standing firmly on the ground. Over winter, the ground can soften or shift, which may throw the frame slightly out of balance. While this rarely affects safety, it often leads to squeaking or creaking noises. Each leg should be fully supported underneath. If the frame is uneven, it can move slightly with every jump, and that movement is usually what causes the noise.

Surface and weather checks

Clear any leaves, standing water and debris from the jump mat and frame padding. Trampolines should not be used in icy or slippery conditions. Leaves left sitting on the frame pad for long periods can also cause staining and premature wear.

Source: RoSPA, Trampoline safety:
https://www.rospa.com/leisure-safety/trampoline-safety