We have always used woodworking tools at my setting and have never had any problems; however if it's a new activity, possibly some parents may worry about safety etc.
How about writing a positive letter about how you are looking forward to introducing a new activity that you know the children will love. You have risk assessed and checked safety out. Tell the parents which tools the children will be using and that it will be a supervised adult one to one activity.
List the tools you use. We use small sized hack saws, hammers, sand paper sheets, sandpaper blocks to rub down the wood. We use small vices to hold the wood. We have a strong woodworking table just for this purpose. We make sure all wood is rubbed down and smooth (splinter free) before using, but the children don't know that and it's part of the procedure and fun for them to smooth it off.
We use flat cork pieces and plastic milk bottle tops for them to hammer down. They can then decorate their woodwork (if they wish) by gluing other accessories on. We also have a plane but the children found it hard to use and we never seem to get any decent wood we could use it on- possibly the problem.
Put in your letter all the skills and enjoyment the children will be gaining from this activity and perhaps mention the children were keen to do this activity after watching Bob the builder and Wendy -so suitable for all. Ofsted are keen for these activities and you can mention the EYFS curriculum.
You could also ask if parents/carers would like to help and say they would be more than welcome. Mention that you will take lots of photograghs for everyone to see how well the activity went. Perhaps incorporate it into a theme with building/occupations etc
Include a line in your letter inviting any parent to speak to staff if they have any concerns. Try and pre-empt their questions, checking everything out, so you can allay their fears.
Write with confidence and I'm sure the parents will think how lucky their children are in your setting.
|