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Engineering

Children exhibit a natural inclination towards engineering-related activities. Harnessing their innate curiosity and inclination to engage with the world of technology, the most effective early engineering activities often involve hands-on exploration, resulting in thrilling and unforeseen outcomes.

Fostering and nurturing this inherent enthusiasm for engineering from an early age is imperative and can be achieved by integrating engineering-oriented activities into early education and childcare settings.

Cultivating an affection for engineering during childhood offers several advantages:

  • It aids in the development of analytical and critical thinking skills, especially when tackling engineering challenges
  • It nurtures an understanding of causality, trial, and error, which constitute fundamental principles in the realm of engineering
  • It promotes a deeper comprehension of the technological world and its role in our lives
  • It supports the development of communication and collaboration skills, as engineering often necessitates interaction with peers
  • It expands their vocabulary, introducing children to technical terminology and concepts.

Ofsted provides insights into what they consider crucial aspects of teaching children about engineering and technology.

Effective use of engineering:

  • Ofsted encourages schools and educators to utilize engineering effectively to enrich teaching and learning. This involves employing engineering as a tool to bolster curriculum delivery and engage students in their learning.

Safeguarding and engineering safety:

  • Ofsted places significant emphasis on safeguarding and safety in educational settings concerning engineering and technology. Schools, early years, and childcare settings are expected to establish robust policies and procedures to ensure the safe use of technology by students, protecting them from online risks and potential hazards in engineering activities.

Impact on learning:

  • Ofsted assesses the impact of engineering on learning outcomes. They evaluate whether engineering is employed in ways that enhance students' progress, achievement, and overall educational experience.

Professional development:

  • Ofsted may consider how effectively schools, early years, and childcare settings support teachers and staff in developing their engineering skills and employing technology effectively in their teaching.

Access and inclusivity:

  • Ensuring equitable access to engineering and technology for all students, including those with disabilities, is of paramount importance. Ofsted scrutinizes whether schools, early years, and childcare settings provide equal access to engineering and digital resources.
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Engineering - Training opportunities
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Engineering - Fun experiments and activities
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Engineering - Useful websites and resources
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Engineering - Home learning
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Engineering - Wrap around care/Out of school activities
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