MV T4.03Climbing Frame and Ramp
A low wooden climbing frame with a ramp, set on impact-absorbing surfacing, which the child climbs up and down by themselves.
Safety
- Fall zone: impact-absorbing surfacing extends at least 90 cm (3 ft) on all sides; equipment over 45 cm (18 in.) fall height needs surfacing that meets state licensing, and no climbing equipment stands on concrete, tile, or other hard floor at any height.
- State licensing may limit indoor climbing height for infants and toddlers; follow it.
- Check hinges, locks, and ramp hooks each day before use.
- An adult is within arm's reach while children climb.
- Children wear no helmets, cords, or clothing with drawstrings while climbing.
Where US guidance differs
The CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook lists rung ladders as not suitable for children 6–23 months, and a climbing triangle with rungs is a rung ladder. Montessori and Pikler settings offer these frames from about 12 months. This work keeps the frame from 12 months: for children under 24 months, centers check their licensing rules and may offer the ramp, low platform, and low steps first and the rungs later.
Presentation
- 1
Set up the frame on the surfacing. Check hinges, locks, and the ramp's hooks by pushing and pulling on them.
- 2
Let the child approach the frame. Sit within arm's reach, at the side.
- 3
Do not lift the child onto the frame or place them higher than they have climbed by themselves.
- 4
Watch the child climb. The foot finding the next rung or step is the point of interest.
- 5
If the child is stuck, name the next move instead of lifting them: 'Put your foot down on the next step.'
- 6
Show coming down: turn to face the frame and step down backward, feet first. On the ramp, slide down on the tummy, feet first.
- 7
Limit the number of children on the frame at once to what the adult can watch closely.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Walk up and down the ramp without using hands
- Climb over the top of the frame and down the other side
- Change the ramp to a steeper angle
- Combine the frame, ramp, and low steps into a route
Control of error
The frame: a foot placed off the rung or step finds nothing; the child stops at a height where they feel unsure.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Climbs up and down the frame without help
- Comes down backward, feet first, without being told
- Walks up and down the ramp
- Stops and comes down at a height where they feel unsure