Completed petition Protecting Class Sizes in Design and Technology Classrooms and Workshops
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.
More details
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"
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