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Detailed advice regarding student numbers in D&T is set out in our publication: ‘Risk Assessment in Secondary Schools and Colleges D&T Teaching Environments’, available from the D&TA resource shop. Alternatively, log in to read a full response to the question.
Safe working practice in D&T requires sufficient overall space so that students can move safely around the furniture, equipment and machinery that is required today in a modern D&T workshop or studio. Log in to read the full response to this question.
‘Suitable and sufficient’ risk assessments are an explicit requirement of ‘The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.’ D&T department risk assessments should facilitate both a safe place of work and safe systems of work. Log in to read the full response to this question.
The document BS4163:2021 Health and safety for design and technology in educational and similar establishments – Code of Practice’ provides clear guidance on those responsible for supervising students whilst undertaking design and technology activities. As a Code of Practice it provides practical compliance of how to comply with the law. Log in to read the full response to this question.
There is no legal requirement governing technicians, however we fully recognise the important contribution that technicians make to both the school as a whole and the department, as well as standards achieved by students. Log in to read the full response to this question
We would always advise schools to follow the guidance provided in ‘BS4163:2021 Health and safety for design and technology in educational and similar establishments – Code of practice’ and any further guidance provided by your employer. Log in to read the full response to this question.
The D&T Association H&S Training Standards establish the professional view of what should constitute the minimum H&S training requirements for ITT students in D&T. Log in to read the full response to this question.
Are there woods that are not recommended for use in schools? Much media attention has been drawn towards MDF and the hazards associated with its use in schools, although there is no evidence that calls for it to be removed entirely from use in schools, it’s use does raise serious concerns. Log in to read the full response to this question.
Wherever possible it is recommended that employees should avoid manual handling, so is it necessary to move the sewing machines from a cupboard onto the work-surface, or can they be safely left out in the classroom? Log in to read the full response to this question.
The ruling on braking to certain classes of woodworking machinery was introduced following the updating of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) in 1998. Log in to read the full response to this question.
The D&T Association H&S guidelines for Primary colleagues provides guidance on the use of low-melt glue guns and whether they are safe to use in primary schools. Log in to read the full response to this question.
Please go the the Training and events tab at the top of the website where you will be able to use the filters and geographic functions on the page to narrow down your search for the perfect CPD training event for you.
Find the event on the training and events page of our website and book on line using credit or debit card, PayPal or invoice. Alternatively you can call us and we will be happy to process your booking for you and send you out all the paper work
Ofsted evidence suggests that schools which have a broad and balanced curriculum often attain the highest standards in English and maths. Squeezing the time for D&T and other subjects may, in fact, be counterproductive! Consider how much teaching time is available and how it can be used to best effect. Some Schools simply don't have enough time to teach D&T well as teaching time in the school day is devoted to English and maths.
The tools, equipment and materials each individual school buys will depend on the projects they plan to carry out, what children actually design and make and the outcomes from risk assessments. The resources purchased should also comply with local authority, employer and school health and safety policy and guidance.
First, show children some examples of exploded diagrams e.g. those provided by a DIY store or used to assemble a model with a construction kit. Discuss the fact that exploded diagrams help when we want to show people the parts or components of the product we are designing, how they fit together and the order of assembly. If safe and possible, ask children to .....
Make sure that all class teachers use the ‘six D&T principles’ at the medium-term planning stage to check whether the project they have planned is, in fact, design and technology. For more information read our D&T Principles guidance document and our School Curriculum Principles for D&T
Use the D&T Association ‘Progression Framework’ to support formative assessment. With the removal of levels and level descriptions, this resource sets out developmental steps in children’s knowledge, understanding and skills......
Yes – a sample project planner and an example of how a Projects on a Page planner could be translated into practice can be found in our Resource shop.
Across KS2, children should learn about a range of inventors, designers, engineers, chefs and manufacturers who have developed ground-breaking products, find out what they are famous for designing and/or making and what characteristics enabled them to become successful. The range of people and products that children consider should cover the range of aspects of D&T they will be working in.....
The simplest way to get up and running with the new curriculum, is to watch three 5 minute D&TTV videos on National Curriculum implementation at KS1 and KS2. View the following videos
The D&T Association have launched the Primary Subject Leaders’ file which will be the main resource for subject leaders – both new and experienced. The file will be extremely comprehensive, covering all aspects of the role and the D&T curriculum in primary schools. It will be available from the Resource Shop with related CPD at a range of venues around the country all bookable online
We are not aware of any age restrictions on the use of a sewing machine and many younger children find them relatively easy to use. We would advise a risk assessment is always done. Please log in to read the full advice.
The space-allocation diagram indicates the recommended distances around sewing machines on a side bench
If you use any Borax based flux, such as SIFBronze, you should be aware that the 2016 manufacturer's MSDS seriously upgraded the identified hazard.