Who we are

The European Council for Steiner Waldorf Education (ECSWE) comprises 22 national Waldorf Associations, representing 630 schools in Europe. There are around 900 schools in 60 countries worldwide and more than 1600 kindergartens.

Our purpose is to strengthen and develop Steiner education in our member countries by active interest and a mutual sharing of experience.

The international Steiner curriculum provides the key principles for an education founded in the local culture and context. Our innovative approach encourages children to grow as confident world citizens, capable of valuing their own circumstances and background within diversity. Selfesteem, respect for the culture, values and traditions of others, tolerance and understanding are essential qualities for the unfolding of individual potential as is a commitment to lifelong learning.

As a group of national and international Associations we take our pedagogical principles into account in the way we work together. In an increasingly turbulent and changing world, we attempt to show by example that international, cross-cultural activities can be inspiring and beneficial and can help children to develop the perspectives and skills to make a real difference.

Our Aims

To be an international platform for member associations.
To exchange information and experiences and develop educational practices for the benefit of our constituent schools and institutions.
To create and co-ordinate a common policy on a European level and undertake the relevant activities. To promote quality care in our institutions.
To discuss, choose and implement international projects.
To engage in dialogue with fellow educationalists, academics, politicians and education policy makers and all those who care for the well-being of children.
To influence politics and legislation both on a national and European level for the benefit and protection of Childhood and Youth.

Some Key Characteristics of Steiner Waldorf Education.

All schools are co-educational, fully comprehensive and integrated from the age of 6/7 to, ideally, 18/19.
They are run co-operatively by a College of Teachers using a flat- management system. All have a legal Council of Management and there is active parent participation in all areas of school life.
All pupils share the broad, internationally recognised Waldorf curriculum, which is non-prescriptive and proven over 80 years. It is in accord with their developmental needs, without undue early specialisation or inappropriate academic pressure.
Schools are extended learning environments for parents and teachers to work co-operatively in support of children’s education.
Formative assessment rather than a testing regime is practiced. Steiner schools continue to pioneer
An integrated balance of artistic, practical and intellectual content in the curriculum with an emphasis on social skills and spiritual values.
An early years approach that provides time and space for development of key skills is a basis for later literacy, numeracy, social and emotional competence.
Block periods for core Steiner curriculum.
Schools work with the ideal that such education should be accessible to all, regardless of ethnicity, creed or financial circumstances.
Two modern languages taught from the age of 6.
Whole class teaching in aesthetically pleasing and secure learning environment where qualities of childhood are nurtured and respected.
An accompanying class teacher from school entry age for several years in succession.
Children based in their own home classroom except for specialist areas.
All-age schools with mixed ability classes according to the age of the child and not streamed by achievement.
Science and technology taught throughout in ageappropriate form.
Key skills such as numeracy and literacy presented in an imaginative and creative manner.
Enhanced mobility and international school exchanges because of common ethos and related core curriculum.
Children being well grounded in their cultural environment and also conscious of being world citizens.
The development of a European-wide leaving portfolio.

The above is also available as a Newssheet in PDF-Format.