Question 1

How much do playground markings cost?

Accepted Answer

Projects range from a single graphic to a whole-playground scheme. As a guide, individual markings start from around £50 and our package bundles start from £2,500 (prices exclude VAT), but the price depends on the number of designs, the area, the surface and access. We give a free design and a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise, so you know the cost before anything is booked. Site-dependent charges, for example an aborted visit or extra cleaning, are set out in our terms.

Question 2

What are playground markings made of?

Accepted Answer

Playground markings are made from premium, non-toxic thermoplastic. The thermoplastic is melted and bonded onto the playground surface, and it is self-cleaning, extra reflective and non-slip. The material is rigorously tested and compliant with health and safety regulations.

Question 3

Do Uniplay use paint for playground markings?

Accepted Answer

No. We don’t use paint. Uniplay’s markings are made from high-quality, non-toxic thermoplastic, which is melted and bonded onto the surface and lasts up to 10 times longer than ordinary paint on a busy school playground.

Question 4

Are playground markings safe and non-toxic?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our thermoplastic markings are non-toxic and give an anti-slip finish, and all of our work complies with BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177. The material is bonded to the surface with heat, so it stands up to constant footfall and wet weather without becoming slippery.

Question 5

How long do playground markings last?

Accepted Answer

Our thermoplastic markings carry a manufacturer’s warranty of up to 4 years, subject to ground condition, and we have seen them last for over 10 years. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary paint, because the thermoplastic is melted and bonded to the surface.

Question 6

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most single-playground primary schemes are installed in a day. We prep the surface, apply the hard-wearing thermoplastic and it is ready to use within 30 minutes, so disruption is kept low. Larger multi-zone or MUGA projects are staged over a little longer, and we can work weekends or school holidays where that suits you.

Question 7

Can playground markings be removed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Uniplay removes old or unwanted playground markings with specialist equipment, working with care to minimise any marking of the surface, so a tired playground can be cleared and re-marked with a fresh design.

Question 8

Do playground markings support the curriculum?

Accepted Answer

Playground markings support the National Curriculum. Number grids, maps, clocks and phonics trails take maths, literacy and geography outdoors, mini roadways teach road safety, and daily mile tracks support PE, across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Question 9

Can I fund playground markings with the PE and Sport Premium?

Accepted Answer

Usually not for new markings. Schools must not use the PE and Sport Premium for capital expenditure, and the DfE’s own examples of capital spend include multi-use games areas and active mile tracks, so new playground markings are usually funded from capital or premises budgets, PTA fundraising or grants. Routine maintenance of existing assets can be funded: the DfE’s example is that you can repaint lines on a playground. Check your own accounting policy, as the DfE cannot give individual advice. Our Sport Premium guide has the 2026 to 2027 details.

Question 10

Who installs Uniplay's playground markings?

Accepted Answer

Uniplay's own installers fit every scheme, and every member of the team is DBS checked. Our own in-house installation team travels from our Lancashire base to schools across the UK and Ireland.

Question 11

Do you offer a warranty and aftercare?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our thermoplastic markings carry a manufacturer’s warranty of up to 4 years, subject to ground condition, and the full terms are in our terms and conditions. We can also carry out annual maintenance and safety visits to keep the markings in good order long after they go down.

Question 12

Which schools and settings do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with primary, infant and junior schools, nurseries and EYFS settings, SEND and special schools, academies and multi-academy trusts, and local councils for parks and play areas.

Question 13

What are thermoplastic playground markings?

Accepted Answer

Thermoplastic playground markings are pre-formed designs made from a non-toxic plastic that is melted onto tarmac with heat, so it bonds with the surface as it cools. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary paint, keep their colour for years, and need no maintenance beyond normal cleaning.

Question 14

Are thermoplastic markings safe for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We only use non-toxic thermoplastic that is self-cleaning, extra reflective and non-slip, tested and compliant with UK health and safety requirements for play surfaces. Because the material bonds to the tarmac rather than sitting on it, there are no raised edges to trip on.

Question 15

What designs can a school choose from?

Accepted Answer

Over 400 designs, from number grids, hopscotch and snakes and ladders to daily mile tracks, netball and football courts, roadways, mazes, trails and sensory circuits. Educational markings cover numeracy, literacy, phonics, geography and road safety. If a school wants its own logo, mascot or theme, we draw it as a bespoke design at no extra design cost.

Question 16

Can PE and Sport Premium be used for playground markings?

Accepted Answer

Usually not for new markings. The PE and Sport Premium must not be used for capital expenditure, and the DfE lists multi-use games areas and active mile tracks as examples of capital spend. New markings are usually funded from capital or premises budgets, PTA fundraising or grants, while refreshing existing lines can count as maintenance. Schools should check their own accounting policy. Our Sport Premium guide explains the 2026 to 2027 rules.

Question 17

How is a playground marked out?

Accepted Answer

Four steps. A call or form to tell us about the space, a free visit to measure it and check the surface, a design and detailed quote to approve, then installation by our own team, usually in a day, working around the school timetable.

Playground markings, designed & installed

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What should schools know about playground markings?

How much do playground markings cost?

How long do thermoplastic playground markings last?

Which types of playground markings can schools choose?

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