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Rescuing play: why schools should take it seriously

Too often, for adults, teachers, risk-averse institutions and school systems, play appears as something problematic: risky, unproductive, difficult to manage and almost impossible to measure. The article challenges this view by pointing to the increasingly pernicious marginalisation of play and to the risks this represents for children and for society more broadly.

Nonviolent Communication Guidelines for Teachers

Nonviolent Communication (NVC), developed by Marshall B. Rosenberg, is a communication approach grounded in empathy, clarity, and mutual respect. Its purpose is to help individuals connect with themselves and others in ways that reduce conflict, increase cooperation, and foster emotional safety.

Guidelines for Teachers in Democratic Education

In keeping with the principles of lifelong learning and the need for continuous professional growth in an ever-changing world, QUEST presents its guidelines for teachers working in democratic schools.

IDEC@EUDEC Report

In August 2025, from 1 to 7 August, the European and International Conferences of the Democratic Education Communities(IDEC) converged in Belgium under the banner IDEC@EUDEC 2025. The venue was De Kluis, a youth residence in the forested area of Meerdaalwoud, in Sint-Joris-Weert, near Leuven. This marked the first time either of the two conferences has been hosted in Belgium.

policy

Joint Statement: A Roadmap for Every Child

The next European Union (EU) long-term budget has the potential to invest in all children, everywhere.

Call for a child-centred EU budget: Joint reaction to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) Proposal

The next European Union (EU) long-term budget has the potential to invest in all children, everywhere.

For a More Holistic Focus on Education – Enhancing the “Union of Equality” Strategy 2021-2030

Sampo Kolu, our youngest advisory board member, has formally submitted his response to the European Commission’s consultation on “Enhancing the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

UN Call: Inputs on Curriculum, Pedagogy & Assessment

At QUEST we mobilized our network of schools, composed of both alternative and traditional schools across Europe, to answer the suggested questionnaire. In the first part of the document we provide you with summaries of their answers based on the educational model.

project reports

Outside Joint Report

Impact Report: Building skills through training Therapy animals

Guidelines: Building Skills through Training of therapy Animals

Guidelines: Democratic Education in Nature

VIDEOS

SUVEMAE, Pioneer of Possibility

How a democratic ‘school in a school‘ in Tallinn could pave the way for transforming public education in Europe

BUSTA documentary

BUilding Skills in schools through Training therapy Animals

YGBN documentary

Youth Going Back to Nature – Engage, Connect, Empower

QUEST in the press

Democratic education in public schools: is it possible?

QUEST DOCUMENTS

QUEST Activities Report 2025

QUEST Communication and Dissemination Report 2024

QUEST Events Report 2024

QUEST Activities Report 2024