Teacher Education Programmes

Updated 8.1.19

A variety of initial teacher education pathways (ITT), Continuous Professional Development opportunities (CPD) and specialist trainings are currently available in the Steiner Waldorf movement in Britain and Ireland.

Courses vary greatly in their entrance requirements, methods of delivery and final awards. Most courses are for prospective Steiner Waldorf class and subject teachers and also for mainstream teachers who want to deepen and develop their existing practice. The courses aim to equip their students to work in any Steiner school in the UK and many countries abroad. Details of publicly accredited awards are in (brackets). It is important for overseas students to check that the qualification awarded is applicable in their home country. In addition a number of schools offer their own bespoke in-service courses. SWSF is not an accrediting body itself but endeavours to support courses and programmes seeking forms of public accreditation. It offers SWSF certified CPD workshops through its advisory service (SWAS).

SWSF works together with the Association of Steiner Waldorf Teacher Educators (ASWTE) to co-ordinate a national strategy for teacher education in the UK and Ireland. Full** and associate* members of ASWTE work with agreed benchmarks and quality assurance procedures in order to ensure a high standard of provision to trainee teachers.

Please note: all courses are administratively independent of SWSF; please contact the courses for information.

Part-time Courses in Waldorf Education

London Waldorf Teacher Training Seminar (ASWTE*)

Two years part time, Saturdays, including summer intensive plus occasional one day and weekend conferences and workshops held at Steiner House, near Baker Street underground, London.
Email: info@waldorftraining.org.uk
Website: www.waldorftraining.org.uk

North of England Steiner Teacher Training (NESTT)(ASWTE*)
Two years part time held in York, Botton, Michael House and Lancaster.
Address: 15 School Lane, Bishopthorpe York YO23 2RE
Email: nestt@btinternet.com
Tel: 01904 777034

West Of England Steiner Teacher Training (WESTT) (ASWTE*)

‘Art of Education Course’, Two years part time, based at Wynstones School, Gloucestershire.
Email: info@westt.org.uk
Website: www.westt.org.uk
see poster here

Early Years Training Courses

CACHE Level 4 Diploma in Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Studies (Early Years Educator) (VRQ) – 601/5130/4 (ASWTE*)

Delivered by the London Steiner Kindergarten Training Company, this training leads to a level 4 Ofqual accredited qualification which meets the Early Years Educator level 3 criteria. In collaboration with CACHE, Crossfields Institute is responsible for approval, ongoing delivery, and centre quality assurance of this qualification. This qualification is delivered on a part time basis over two years. It is followed by a one year full time work placement in a Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten which may lead to a Level 5 early years qualification. The course is based at Rudolf Steiner House, Regents Park, London, with residentials in Gloucestershire. Entry each September.
Email: lynneoldfield@lineone.net

CACHE Level 4 Diploma in Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Studies (Early Years Educator) (VRQ) – 601/5130/4 (ASWTE*)

Delivered by NESWEC, (North of England Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood), this training leads to a level 4 Ofqual accredited qualification which meets the Early Years Educator level 3 criteria. In collaboration with CACHE, Crossfields Institute is responsible for approval, ongoing delivery, and centre quality assurance of this qualification. This qualification is delivered on a part time basis over two years. It is followed by a one year full time work placement in a Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten which may lead to a Level 5 early years qualification which is recognised by IASWECE as an international Steiner Waldorf early childhood qualification.
Email: jill@neswec.org.uk
Website: www.neswec.org.uk
Tel: 01782 504567

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Baby and Child Care (Early Years Educator) (ASWETE*)

This training integrates Steiner early childhood studies and the Pikler approach whilst meeting Level 3 Early Years Educator criteria. With a unique birth to three emphasis it is an ideal qualification for those wishing to care for children as childminders, and parent and child group and parent support group leaders. In mainstream care settings the Holistic Baby and Child Care qualification is suitable for those wishing to care for children from birth to five. Successful completion of the course and all assignments will lead to the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Baby and Child Care (Early Years Educator ) (VRQ) (601/5636/3) qualification certified jointly by Crossfields Institute and CACHE. The course, which is part time over one year, is offered by Emerson College. The monthly course days and weekends will be held at Rudolf Steiner House, London residentials will be held at Emerson College, East Sussex.
email: registrar@emerson.org.uk.
Website: www.emerson.org.uk/holistic-baby-and-child-care Tel:  01342 827771

School Based Courses in Waldorf Education

Edinburgh Steiner Teacher Education Course (ASWTE*)

Three year part time course running all day Saturdays 8.45 – 6.30 during term time.
Address: 60 Spylaw Road Edinburgh EH10 5BR
Email: teachertraining@edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk 
Website: www.edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk
Tel: 0131 3373410
Fax: 0131 5386066

Michael Hall ‘At the Heart of Teaching’
One or two years full time, depending on previous experience.
New part time subject teachers course starting September 2018
details of subject teacher course here
01342 822 275
info@michaelhall.co.uk
www.michaelhall.co.uk

Steiner Education Diploma
Based at South Devon Steiner School
A teacher Training Course and CPD Modules in the South West of England
see leaflet here
see information here:

Specialist Courses

Postgraduate Certificate – Philosophy and Practice of Integrative Education

For upper-school Waldorf and non-Waldorf teachers who would like to develop a truly contemporary form of Waldorf education to meet the changing needs of young people today. 18 months part time, combining work-based practice, four 5-day residentials and distance learning. Next intake January 2019

This PG programme is jointly certified by Crossfields Institute and IBUGI (Institute for Education and Social Innovation), an academic institute at Alanus University

see leaflet here

For more information please contact: jane.tyler@crossfieldsinstitute.com

Bothmer-movement-international

For prospective and practising gymnastics, games and movement teachers. Prepares students to teach Gymnastics and Games (Physical Education) in Steiner/Waldorf schools and to teach adult classes. Also includes general movement training.
Part time over 4 years; 9 weekends and 2 x 5-day blocks per year. Forest Row, Sussex.
Address: 2 The Cheverils, Priory Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5HR
Website: www.bothmer-movement.co.uk
Email: office@bothmer-movement.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1342 826677

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Align For Learning
This will cover principles of motor, sensory and cognitive development; literacy, numeracy attention and behaviour challenges as well as multi-disciplinary remedial techniques and aspects of relevant laws.
see leaflet here

Handwork Training course

UK WALDORF HANDWORK TRAINING COURSE – Held at Wynstones School, Gloucester.  Maximum 20 students.

This course is aimed at existing Handwork teachers, assistants, kindergarten/class teachers, parents and anybody who has a passion for using their hands creatively. The purpose of this course is to develop strength, knowledge, and expertise within the Waldorf Handwork Curriculum. Held over 2 years, 18 weekends. The course will journey through the Handwork Curriculum from Class One to Eight. Starting at the transition from Kindergarten to Class One, each weekend will be dedicated to a specific developmental stage, addressing the appropriate crafts and Waldorf pedagogical background of the child at this age. Each weekend will be full of innovative practice within the Handwork curriculum, lead by experienced Handwork teachers who will guide participants’ understanding and development of practical skills.

Participants will learn new skills, deepen existing areas of expertise and develop ways of sharing these skills with others. The course will include Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery, Felting, Doll making, Natural dyeing, Cross Stitch and More. Each student will be expected to make a portfolio of work recording their journey on this course.
For further details contact: hwtcourse@gmail.com

Ruskin Mill Teacher Development Programme: Alternative approaches to Special Education
A two year programme, 16 weekend seminars and four 4 day learning blocks.
for further information: see website here constantin.court@rmt.org
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School Health Professionals Training UK 
Three year part time modular  training starting in 2017. This is for doctors, nurses, psycholgists, midwives, teachers or therapists with qualification in their field.
mailto:schoolhealthprofessionals@gmail.com
see leaflet here