Schools across London are choosing artificial grass for schools because natural grass struggles in busy playgrounds. Heavy footfall, wet weather, and limited recovery time often lead to mud, worn areas, and uneven surfaces.
These issues create safety concerns, increase maintenance costs, and reduce outdoor play time. Artificial turf for schools provides a stable, all-weather surface that stays usable throughout the year.
This guide helps schools decide whether artificial grass for playgrounds is suitable by focusing on safety, durability, and long-term value rather than marketing claims.
- So… Is Artificial Grass Truly Safe for Children?
- What Makes Artificial Grass Safe for Children?
- How to Create a Child-Safe Artificial Grass Play Zone
- FAQs: What Every Parent Wants to Know
- Can kids play barefoot on artificial grass?
- Will artificial grass give my child rug burns?
- What if my child spills food or gets sick on the grass?
- Is it safe for babies and toddlers?
- Does artificial grass smell?
- Is it safe under the playground equipment?
- Will it help with allergies?
- Does artificial grass get too hot in summer?
When specified correctly, modern artificial grass for children’s play areas is designed to meet UK safety requirements and is widely used in schools and nurseries.
Schools should check compliance with EN1177, which measures impact absorption and fall protection. Artificial grass meets this standard when installed with suitable shock pads, especially under play equipment.
Quality synthetic turf for schools is made from non-toxic, lead-free materials and tested for prolonged skin contact. Products used in educational settings should also carry a recognised fire rating.
Certification is essential. Schools should only use artificial grass for school projects that include documented safety testing and manufacturer certification.
Compared to real grass, artificial grass for playground safety removes mud, uneven ground, and slip risks. The surface remains consistent year-round and is easier to keep clean, reducing mess tracked indoors.
For areas beneath frames, slides, and climbing equipment, shock pads provide controlled impact absorption. Correct installation is critical to ensure safety, drainage, and long-term performance.
Artificial grass under playsets is suitable for most playground equipment when installed to the correct specification.
Key Benefits of Artificial Grass for Schools
1. All-weather use with no cancellations
Artificial grass allows schools to use outdoor spaces consistently, regardless of the weather. Unlike natural grass, it does not become muddy, waterlogged, or unsafe after rain.
PE lessons can run as planned, without last-minute changes due to poor ground conditions.
Break times remain unrestricted, and outdoor learning areas stay accessible throughout the year. This reliability helps schools make better use of their outdoor space and timetabled activities.
2. Low maintenance and long-lasting
Artificial grass for schools removes the need for mowing, reseeding, watering, or fertilising. This significantly reduces routine grounds maintenance and reliance on external contractors.
Synthetic turf for schools is built to handle constant use. Dense fibres and reinforced backing allow it to perform well in high-footfall areas such as playgrounds, walkways, and shared activity zones.
With correct installation, artificial grass maintains its appearance and performance for many years, making costs more predictable over time.
3. Cleaner, more hygienic playgrounds
One of the main advantages of artificial grass for playgrounds is cleanliness. There is no soil or mud to be carried indoors, helping classrooms, corridors, and changing areas stay cleaner.
Artificial turf does not attract insects or pests in the same way as natural grass and soil. Day-to-day cleaning is simple, usually involving brushing and occasional rinsing to remove debris.
This makes artificial grass a practical option for nurseries, primary schools, and busy play areas where hygiene and ease of upkeep matter.
4. Consistent, safer play surfaces
Artificial grass provides a level, even surface that does not develop holes, ruts, or hard patches over time. This reduces trip hazards commonly found on worn natural grass playgrounds.
Because the surface remains consistent year-round, schools can manage risk more effectively and avoid temporary closures caused by deteriorating ground conditions.
When combined with correct installation and shock padding, artificial grass for playgrounds supports safer daily use across a wide range of activities.
Artificial Grass for Nurseries, Schools & Colleges
1. Nurseries and early years settings
Artificial grass for nurseries is designed with comfort and safety in mind. Softer pile heights and shock pad systems create a cushioned surface suitable for younger children who spend more time sitting, crawling, and playing on the ground.
Bright, consistent colour helps create engaging outdoor spaces without the wear and patchiness seen in natural grass.
Safety-first design, including non-toxic materials and impact absorption, makes artificial grass suitable for early years environments where supervision and risk control are critical.
2. Primary and secondary schools
Primary and secondary schools require surfaces that can handle high daily use. Artificial turf for schools provides durable playground surfaces that remain usable throughout the year, even in high-traffic areas.
These surfaces support multi-use layouts, allowing the same space to be used for free play, PE lessons, and structured activities without ongoing repairs or rest periods.
3. Colleges and higher education
In colleges and higher education settings, artificial grass is commonly used to create low-maintenance social outdoor spaces.
Courtyards, seating areas, and communal zones benefit from a clean, consistent surface with minimal upkeep.
Artificial turf also works well for training and activity zones where durability and predictable performance are required, without the maintenance demands of natural grass.
How Much Does Artificial Grass for Schools Cost in the UK?
Artificial grass for schools costs in the UK varies based on site size, ground conditions, and safety requirements.
Typical installed prices for playground artificial turf range from £50 to £120 per square metre, including materials, groundwork, drainage, and professional installation.
Many school and nursery installations fall within the £80–£120 per m² range when shock pads, base preparation, and labour are included.
Supply-only artificial grass for schools can cost less, but this excludes groundwork and installation.
If you want to know how much it costs in London,
then you must read: How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost in London? 2025
What affects the price?
Area size
Larger areas usually reduce the cost per square metre but increase the total project cost. Smaller playgrounds can be proportionally more expensive due to setup time and material waste.
Ground Preparation
Existing surfaces, soil conditions, levelling work, and drainage all influence cost. Proper ground preparation is essential for long-term performance and safety, particularly for artificial grass under playsets and climbing frames.
Shock Pads and Drainage
Shock-absorbent pads increase turf playground cost but are necessary to achieve EN1177 compliance under play equipment. Drainage systems may also be required to ensure year-round usability.
Artificial grass for schools: Price vs Real grass
Natural grass often appears cheaper initially, but ongoing maintenance costs add up over time. Mowing, reseeding, repairs, and water usage create recurring expenses.
Artificial grass for schools provides consistent use with significantly lower annual upkeep. Reduced maintenance and fewer weather-related closures often offset the higher upfront investment.
Is artificial grass cost-effective long-term?
High-quality synthetic turf for schools typically lasts 10–20+ years when installed correctly. This supports predictable budgeting and reduces unexpected maintenance costs.
By minimising repairs, weather-related downtime, and routine groundskeeping, artificial grass offers strong long-term value.
Consistent usability and safer surfaces contribute to cost effectiveness over the lifespan of the installation.
Where to Buy Artificial Grass for Schools in the UK
Choosing the right supplier matters when investing in artificial grass for schools. The focus should be on safety, performance, and long-term reliability rather than sales-driven promises.
UK schools can choose from national suppliers, regional specialists, and local installers offering playground and education-specific turf systems.
The key is selecting a supplier that understands how school environments differ from residential or commercial projects.
Choosing the right supplier
Experience with Schools
Suppliers with proven experience in schools and nurseries are better equipped to specify the correct products.
Playground areas, PE spaces, and outdoor learning zones have distinct safety and durability requirements that standard landscaping turf may not meet.
Certifications
Products should be tested and certified for educational use. Compliance with standards such as EN1177 is essential where impact absorption is required.
Certification confirms materials are non-toxic, fire-rated where necessary, and suitable for children’s play areas.
Installation and aftercare
A reliable supplier will either provide professional installation or work with approved installers. Clear aftercare guidance, warranties, and ongoing support are also important for long-term performance.
Local installers and “playground turf near me”
Why local knowledge matters
When we work locally, we understand site conditions common in UK schools. This includes ground types, drainage challenges, access limitations, and local planning considerations.
That knowledge helps reduce delays and improve installation accuracy.
Accountability and Support
Being a local supplier allows us to carry out site visits, take accurate measurements, and communicate clearly throughout the project.
It also makes ongoing support simpler if maintenance, adjustments, or inspections are required after installation.
For schools in London, Superior Lawn supplies top-quality artificial grass for nurseries, schools, and colleges with a 10-year warranty and an expected lifespan of up to 20 years when installed correctly.
Our turf is specified with safety and durability in mind and is supported by professional installation and aftercare services.
When choosing a local supplier, we recommend prioritising experience with schools, relevant safety certification, and clarity of service rather than focusing on price alone.
Final Verdict: Is Artificial Grass Right for Your School?
Artificial grass can be a practical solution for London schools that need safe, reliable outdoor spaces that remain usable throughout the year.
The right choice depends on how the area is used, footfall levels, and any safety requirements under play equipment.
At Superior Lawn, we keep the process simple with practical advice, free site visits, and professional installation backed by over 20 years of experience. All of our artificial grass comes with clear warranties.
If you want a clearer idea of what would work best for your site, you can book a free survey and get recommendations based on your specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can schools buy artificial grass in the UK?
Schools can buy artificial grass from national suppliers, regional specialists, or local installers with experience in educational settings.
When choosing where to buy artificial grass for schools, it’s important to prioritise safety certification, proven school installations, and clear installation and aftercare support rather than price alone.
Is cheap artificial grass suitable for schools?
Cheap artificial grass for schools may reduce upfront cost, but it is often not designed for high footfall or safety requirements.
Lower-grade products can flatten quickly, offer poor drainage, and may not meet EN1177 standards when used under play equipment.
For schools, durability and safety are usually more important than initial price.
What is the best artificial grass for schools and playgrounds?
The best artificial grass for schools is designed for frequent use, has dense fibres, strong backing, and is compatible with shock pad systems.
For playgrounds and children’s play areas, the best artificial grass is one that meets safety standards, uses non-toxic materials, and maintains a consistent surface over time.
Is artificial grass safe to install under playsets and climbing frames?
Yes, artificial grass under playsets is commonly used in schools when installed with the correct shock padding.
Impact-absorbing underlays help meet EN1177 requirements and reduce the risk of injury from falls, making artificial grass suitable for playground equipment when specified correctly.
