Spring and summer are some of the busiest and most exciting months in the school calendar. From summer fairs and fundraising days to school leaver events and end-of-term celebrations, schools and PTAs are always looking for activities that are inclusive, engaging, and cost-effective. One of the most popular and reliable attractions remains the bouncy castle.
A well-chosen inflatable can attract families, raise valuable funds, and create a lively focal point for your event. However, hiring inflatables for a school environment requires careful planning, attention to safety, and the right supplier. This guide covers what schools and PTAs should look for, suitable sizes, popular themes, complementary attractions, and essential safety considerations.
Why Bouncy Castles Work So Well for Schools & PTA Events
Bouncy castles are a proven favorite at school events because they:
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Appeal to a wide age range of children
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Encourage physical activity and outdoor play
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Are visually eye-catching and draw footfall
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Can be run as a paid attraction to raise funds
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Are easy to manage with the right supervision
Whether used as a free reward activity or a paid fundraiser, inflatables provide excellent value for money and help create a festive, welcoming atmosphere for families.
1. What Schools & PTA Associations Should Look For When Hiring
When booking for a school or PTA event, requirements are stricter than for private parties. Always ensure the supplier can meet the following:
Insurance & Documentation
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Public liability insurance (usually £5m minimum)
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Safety certification (such as PIPA or RPII)
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Compliance to UK BS EN 14960
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Risk assessments and method statements if required
Reputable suppliers are used to working with schools and should provide paperwork promptly.
Experience with Schools
Choose a company experienced in school fetes, sports days, and PTA events. They’ll understand safeguarding expectations, setup timings, and large-scale supervision needs.
Professional Setup & Collection
Confirm that delivery, setup, an takedown are included. School events often have tight schedules, so punctuality and efficiency are essential.
Clear Pricing for Budget Planning
Ask for transparent pricing and check whether discounts are available for:
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PTAs or charities
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Multiple inflatables
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Longer hire periods
Some companies offer special school packages, which can help stretch fundraising budgets further.
2. Choosing the Right Size for a School Setting
Schools generally need inflatables that can accommodate high footfall while remaining safe and manageable.
Consider Your Space
Measure playgrounds, fields, or halls carefully. Outdoor grass areas are ideal, but some castles are suitable for indoor use in halls or gyms.
Always allow:
Age Groups & Capacity
For mixed-age school events, it’s often best to:
Typical options include:
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Small inflatables for EYFS and KS1
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Medium to large inflatables for KS2
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Obstacle courses or slides for older pupils
Larger inflatables reduce queues and increase throughput, which is ideal for fundraising events.
3. Popular Bouncy Castle Themes for Schools
For schools and PTAs, themes are often best kept bright, inclusive, and non-exclusive.
Some popular and practical choices include:
🎈 Classic Party Castles – Neutral themes, suitable for all ages
🌈 Multi-Colour or Celebration Themes – Perfect for fetes and open days
🏫 Educational or Friendly Characters – Animals, jungle, space, or sports
🏰 Princess & Knight Themes – Always popular, especially with younger children
🏃 Obstacle Courses – Great for older pupils and sponsored challenges, these offer a high throughput
Many schools prefer unbranded or non-licensed themes to keep things inclusive and avoid character restrictions.
4. Activities to Run Alongside the Bouncy Castle
To maximise engagement and fundraising potential, bouncy castles work best as part of a wider activity zone.
Complementary Attractions
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Soft play for nursery or reception children
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Inflatable slides or assault courses
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Sports inflatables (penalty shootouts, basketball)
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Funfair games such as hook-a-duck or tin can alley
Fundraising Add-Ons
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Wristbands for unlimited inflatable access
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Timed sessions sold at a set price
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Sponsored bounce challenges
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Combination tickets including refreshments
Practical Extras
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Gazebos for shade or light rain
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Tables and seating for parents and carers
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Clear signage explaining rules and pricing
These additions help spread footfall across the event and reduce congestion around a single attraction.
5. Safety & Supervision: Essential for Schools
Safety is paramount at any school event. A reputable supplier like Airplay Inflatables will support this, but responsibility is shared.
Supervision
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Allocate trained adults or volunteers to each inflatable
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One supervisor per inflatable at all times. Larger inflatable like inflatable assault courses require more.
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Clear instructions given to children before use
Rules of Use
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No shoes, food, drink or sharp objects
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No overcrowding
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No rough play or climbing on walls
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Separate younger and older children
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No face paints, glitter tattoos etc
Displaying rules clearly near the inflatable is highly recommended.
Weather Considerations
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Monitor wind conditions closely
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Stop use immediately if conditions become unsafe
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Ensure inflatables are fully secured with pegs or weights
Schools should always have a contingency plan in case weather affects outdoor inflatables.
6. Planning Tips for a Smooth Event
✔ Book early – spring and summer dates fill quickly
✔ Confirm power supply requirements in advance
✔ Share risk assessments with school leadership
✔ Schedule setup before pupils arrive if possible
✔ Communicate rules clearly to parents and carers
Good planning ensures the inflatable adds to the event rather than creating extra stress.
Conclusion
Bouncy castles remain one of the most effective attractions for school and PTA events. With the right supplier, clear safety procedures, and thoughtful planning, they can help raise funds, reward pupils, and bring the school community together.
By choosing suitable sizes, inclusive themes, and proper supervision, schools can offer a fun, safe experience that families will remember long after the event ends.
If you’re planning a school fair, sports day, or summer fundraiser, a bouncy castle could be the perfect centerpiece for a successful and enjoyable day.
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