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“Could you sleep soundly in your bed, if your kids weren’t safe in theirs?” – That's the message from fire officers after two North East soft play centres have been handed prohibition notices.
By Faye Dixon
Published 13th Feb 2020, 11:46 BST
Updated 14th Feb 2020, 16:47 BST
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Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is warning parents over the growing trend of hosting children’s sleepovers in the soft play centres in our region.

On Thursday, February 13, the service announced that it has issued the warning following prohibition notices being handed to two North East soft play centres: Round The Twist and New AdventureLands in Benton.

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Now, the Business Fire Safety Team has notified all known soft play centres in Tyne and Wear as a reminder to the organisers that to offer sleepovers, they must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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Head of Fire Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Richie Rickaby said: “Some soft play centres have begun to offer sleepovers as an extension to hosting children’s parties.

“However, this is a completely different intended use for the building and is unlikely to comply with the fire safety regulations required for businesses who provide sleeping accommodation.

“In response, we have carried out targeted inspections, engaging and providing advice to owners of these premises. This action, has resulted in us serving two Prohibition Notices. In addition we have contacted a number of organisations by letter, providing significant advice with the aim of deterring them from offering this type of service.”

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Parents have been urged to contact the Business Fire Safety Team if they know of any soft play businesses offering sleepovers.

They have also been advised to avoid booking this type of party for children if they aren’t satisfied with the fire regulations in place.

Businesses offering sleepovers should have adequate fire risk assessments, fire compartmentation, evacuation procedures, and fire detection to provide a warning of fire.

To provide information to our Business Fire Safety Team about any play centres you have concerns about or to find further information on fire safety in our local businesses visit the TWFRS website at: https://www.twfire.gov.uk/business-safety/.