Toddler proofing a light well

[SparkyUK]

The house we are moving into (touch wood) has a light well on the front side of the building. Basically a hole, about 4 ft x 2 ft and 7 ft deep to provide light to where there used to be a window in the basement. I'm already having nightmares about DS falling down.

Any ideas as to how we can cheaply and quickly child proof it. DH got a quote for having an iron grate made to cover it and it was close to 1K. There must be a cheaper option that is a bit nicer than just putting a piece of ply down on top, yes?

Thick perspex, fitted?

Get some more quotes for iron grates, I think! My parents did this, and although it was many years ago, it wasn't anything like the equivalent to 1k.

Aluminium - lots of workers who can do something nice. Aluminium is a great alternative to stainless steel an alot cheap.

That quote seems ridiculously high!

We had some railings designed and made -I can't remember the cost but they were nowhere near that price.

Try a local steel yard type place rather than an artistic/creative metalworker if you haven't already