P-05-802 Protecting Class Sizes in Design and Technology Classrooms and Workshops

P-05-802 Protecting Class Sizes in Design and Technology Classrooms and Workshops

Completed

 

This petition was submitted by Aled Dafis having collected 338 signatures online.

 

Text of Petition

We call on the National Assembly for Wales to urge the Welsh Government to ensure that all schools in Wales fully adopt BS4163:2014 as a requirement as opposed to a recommendation, in order to protect the health and safety of both students, teachers and technicians.

 

Following networking meetings for Design and Technology teachers within the ERW region, it has become apparent that the financial pressures on schools give rise to a situation where Design and Technology teachers are increasingly being asked to teach classes larger than 20 pupils as recommended in BS4163:2014 "Health and safety for design and technology in educational establishments – Code of Practice". Increased class sizes invariably lead to higher risk of pupils getting injured in workshop environments.

 

Additional Information

The BS4163:2014 Code of Practice clearly states as follows:

 

"9 Management of the teaching environment

 

9.1

 

General

 

The number of learners in any one work area should be carefully considered to ensure safe working and effective supervision.

 

In England and Wales, there should be a maximum of 20 learners with one competent, qualified teacher in any one work area.

 

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, there should be a maximum of 20 pupils for all classes in practical subjects"

 

 

Assembly Constituency and Region

·         Ceredigion      

·         Mid and West Wales

 

Status

This petition was considered completed by the Petitions Committee at its meeting on 25/06/2019.

The Committee considered further correspondence from the Minister for Education and the petitioner. The Committee agreed to close the petition following the action taken to remind Headteachers, governing bodies and others of the need to ensure that Design and Technology class risk assessments are up-to-date through the Dysg Newsletter. In doing so, the Committee wished to thank the petitioner for raising this matter.

Full details of the consideration of this petitions by the committee and related documents can be seen on the Meetings tab above.

It was first considered by the Petitions Committee on 13/03/2018.

 

Assembly Constituency and Region

·         Cardiff Central

·         South Wales Central

 

Further information

Ø  Learn more about the Assembly’s petitions process

Ø  Sign an e-petition

Ø  How the petitions system works

 

Business type: Petition

Reason considered: Senedd Business;

Status: Complete

First published: 09/03/2018