Written following discussion with many colleagues, with particular acknowledgement to Ewout van Manen and the encouragement of members of the Steiner Waldorf Administrators’ Network
N.B. All age groups – safe evacuation of premises in case of fire (fire drills and emergency measures) & all items covered by Risk Assessments for every-day safety &c.
Kindergarten: A place for everything, the importance of tidying away; awareness of others in play activities including younger children including learning to share & e.g. being adventurous or playing energetically without hurting others or making them fearful; basic personal hygiene (washing hands after using toilet and before preparing snack &c); use of items such as scissors, needles, wool, woodworking items; balancing free play items safely; procedure for walks or activities beyond the kindergarten room…
Classes 1-3 incorporating aspects listed above: “Courtesy” – taking account of the feelings and comfort of others and handling items (e.g. musical instruments with respect); safe sitting; lighting matches correctly for candle, use of snuffer &c. skipping ropes etc, &observing “rules”; purpose of boundaries; introduction to warning signs &c; special precautions for farm visits or other parts of practical activities curriculum; hygiene practice for baking etc; correct and safe disposal of left-over food stuffs & other items; consideration for others when suffering from colds or other minor illness and - in context – for those with food allergies…
Classes 4-6 incorporating aspects listed above: “Codes of conduct” - allowing & enabling others space & time; sharpening and use of more sophisticated tools and “guidance not force” rule for their use; similarly art materials; more complex safety measures for physical education; all necessary measures for class outings and field-trips, including, e.g. outdoor cooking, food storage & correct disposal of leavings, protocols for travel, security in crowds, “what is a Risk Assessment?” &c; safe handling of fire & necessary precautions; appropriate handling of first aid & medical items; value necessity of planning, writing proposals taking into account safety factors as relevant…
Classes 7-8 incorporating aspects listed above: “Consequences” – care of self and others, including well-being and life-style; thinking through a practical activity e.g. class play etc; drawing up risk assessments, principle of level of risk and risk management – “positive risk” e.g. in hill walking &c (Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme); safe use of internet and social networks; hygiene in relationships including some sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS &c.
