An Introduction to ECSWE

The European Council for Steiner Waldorf Education (ECSWE) comprises 22 national Waldorf Associations, representing over 650 schools in Europe. The number of schools is growing worldwide, at the moment there are around 1000 Waldorf schools in 61 countries and more than 1600 Kindergartens.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to strengthen and develop Steiner education in our member countries by active interest and mutual sharing of experience. We work in active partnership with other organisations who are concerned with the social emotional education and well being of children.

The Steiner Curriculum

The international Steiner curriculum provides the key principles for an education founded in local context and culture. Our innovative approach encourages children to grow as confident world citizens capable of valuing their own circumstances and background within a diverse world. Self esteem, 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.

National and International Associations

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.

Educational systems are in a process of great change brought about by the vast amount of research conducted in the last few years regarding neurobiology, child development, emotional capacities and learning processes. The Steiner Waldorf approach embraces these changes and ECSWE seeks to become a reference for internationally accredited research in the fields of education and childhood.