Play spec railings: what the playground guidance actually requires
Standard bow top railings aren't sold as playground-compliant. Play spec bow top mirrors the standard range but is built for schools and play areas.
There's no single fencing law that governs a play area boundary — safety there is set by the design guidance schools, local authorities and play-area operators commonly work to, RoSPA's among it. What AA sells is split accordingly: a standard range that isn't listed as meeting that guidance, and a play spec range built to.
Why standard bow top isn't specified for playgrounds
AA's own listing for standard Bow Top Railings states plainly that the range doesn't comply with RoSPA guidelines for playgrounds and schools, and points anyone needing that to the Play Spec Bow Top range instead.
What changes between standard and play spec
Play Spec Bow Top matches the standard range panel-for-panel across the same seven heights, the same 12/16/20mm bar diameters, and the same RSJ/box posts and 2750/2800mm bays covered in the main guide. Swapping from standard to play spec doesn't change the size or fixing system — only which panel you order.
Standard vs play spec
| Range | Meets playground guidance per AA's listing | Same posts and bays as standard |
|---|---|---|
| Bow Top | No — stated as not for playgrounds/schools | — |
| Play Spec Bow Top | Yes — built for schools and play areas | Yes, identical system |
Gates: play spec is a tick-box, not a separate range
Railing Gates carry Play Spec as a yes/no option on the one gate product, rather than a separate range the way the panels are split. A play-spec-compliant gate comes from the same Railing Gates line — you just select that option when you order.
Play spec panels
Railing gates
If you're specifying for a school, nursery or public play area, say so when you order — not just the height — so the right range and options get picked.
Products covered in this guide
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a law requiring play spec railings around playgrounds?
No single statute mandates a specific fence product. The requirement usually comes from the play-area design guidance schools, local authorities and inspectors work to — RoSPA's guidance among it — plus AA's own listing, which states standard bow top isn't for that use.
- What's different about play spec bow top panels?
Nothing in height, bar diameter, post or bay — per AA's range, the difference is that this line is built to meet playground guidance the standard range is not sold against.
- Can I get a play spec vertical bar or estate fencing panel?
No — play spec is currently only offered on the Bow Top range. Vertical bar and estate fencing aren't sold as playground-spec products.