School Signage & Childcare Centre Signs Checklist

Schools and childcare centres juggle hundreds of children, parents, visitors and cars at the same two times every day. Clear signs keep drop-off moving, send visitors to the office, and set the rules on the playground. Here's a checklist for principals, business managers, centre directors and school builders, from the front gate to the classroom.

1. Entry, office and visitors

Visitors entrance sign and Reception: please sign in
School office this way: helps visitors who come in through a side gate.
Private parking: visitors must report to office
Uniform shop sign

2. Drop-off and pick-up

Drop-off is where most near misses happen. On school grounds and private car parks, clear zones and time limits keep cars moving:

Signs on public roads, such as school zone and no stopping signs, are usually installed or approved by the local council or state road authority. Talk to them before putting signs on the street.

3. Gates and child safety

Please keep gate closed, children inside: a must for childcare and early learning centres.
No dogs on school grounds. See our dog signs guide.
No scooters or skateboards inside

4. Smoke-free and vape-free

School and childcare grounds are smoke-free in every state, and several states set distances around them. State-specific options include SA no smoking or vaping within 10 m of a school, SA early childhood service, VIC playground equipment and QLD playground equipment signs. Vaping in toilets is a growing problem, so many schools add No smoking or vaping in toilets signs too. See our no smoking and vaping guide.

5. Playgrounds

Playground rules sign
Play fair, share, take turns
Playground closed for wet weather or maintenance.

6. Health and allergies

Allergy aware zone
First aid and AED signs. See our first aid and AED signs guide.
Parents room signs, such as green and white or silver and black.

7. Emergencies

Evacuation diagrams, assembly points and warden signs. See our evacuation and assembly point guide.

Material tips

Choose aluminium or ACP for fences and gates, which last outdoors and resist knocks. Corflute suits temporary signs for events, open days and building works. Self-adhesive vinyl is neat on glass doors and office windows.

More school and childcare signs

Frequently asked questions

Can we add our school name or logo?

Yes. Our add your logo signs and custom signs let you add your school name, crest and wording.

Do you offer bulk pricing for a whole campus?

Yes. Buy 25 or more of the same sign to save an extra 5%, 50+ to save 10%, or 150+ to save 15%, applied automatically. Every sign is made to order and dispatched in 2–3 business days, and shipping is free on orders over $500.

Shop signs for schools or childcare centre signs

Related: Playground signs guide

Looking for something else? Browse every guide in our Sign Guide Library.