With schools being open to key worker/vulnerable children only, nurseries remaining open and childminders able to provide care in the home I’m getting asked daily as to what the current first aid training responsibilities are and how staff ensure their skills are up to date in the current pandemic.
So here is what the current rules relating to paediatric first aid qualifications are in England, whether first aid training is currently allowed, whether it is Covid-safe and the actions providers should be taking.
Yes. This is because children and babies are still at risk of injury/illness during the pandemic and it is essential to have a qualified first aider on-site. Therefore, if first aid training is currently required for your job role and you are not eligible for the certificate extension (see below), then we recommend booking a suitable Paediatric First Aid training course.
Child Matters have remained open and trained hundreds of childcarers since the first lockdown in March 2020 as Paediatric First Aid training is classed as ‘essential’ by industry regulators and enables childcare settings and schools to remain safe, secure and open for the children of key workers and other professions.
It was our Child Matters ‘public’ courses that had been temporarily suspended this January 2021 due to us taking extra precautions (during this critical stage of the pandemic), venues being closed and our own staff providing support to the NHS and vaccination programme. BUT we are BACK OPEN for training all childcarer professionals whether you are a childminder, preschool teacher or nursery staff. We can come and teach staff in your own venues, space permitting and risk assessments completed or you can join us on our public courses. We have plenty new dates and venues. See all listed dates and venues here.
So to reassure and reiterate, we CAN deliver your training, some training as blended with online and face-to-face and for those that need to be face-to-face we’re following covid guidelines to keep your staff and our trainers safe.
Yes. Where requalification is required, certificates can be extended to 31 March 2021 at the latest. This only applies to certificates expiring on or after 1 October 2020. If you fall into this category, we recommend refreshing your Paediatric First Aid knowledge using online resources, until you attend your next full training course. Full government information here.
As well as the Paediatric First Aid courses designed for Early Years/EYFS, 12 Hour Blended Paediatric First Aid Level 3 and Emergency Paediatric First Aid 1 Day 6 Hour (EPFA)we also offer FAW & EFAW (First Aid for Schools). FAW is a 3 day course (2 days if requalifying within 3 months of certificate expiring). For a school we recommend having a minimum of two FAW trained staff to meet requirements for HSE. This will include events, staff, a numbers of parent or contractors on site etc. This course is suitable for all workplaces and recommended for larger businesses and those with more complex risks.
Our blended FAW includes 6 hours flexible pre-learning online plus 2 days practical training at your venue – offering you enhanced training whilst saving you time and money.
This means that 3 day First Aiders and 2 day re-qualifications can now undertake their training on the same 2 days which will save you time and money and mean more of your staff can undergo group learning at the same time. Once your team has completed the 6 hours pre-learning online, we can come to your workplace and run the 2 practical days, or alternatively you can send individuals to join one of our scheduled courses.
EFAW is a shorter one day 6 hours (EPFA paediatric equivalent) is also compliant with HSE guidelines but tailored to more common emergencies in your setting and recommended for a larger number of staff (more common in secondary schools instead of PFA) This course is suitable for workplaces with up to 50 employees and recommended for larger businesses and those with more complex risks to support personnel with the 3 day First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification.
The one day EFAW is also available as a blended option, enabling you to do 3 hours pre-learning online and complete the practical element in 4 hours, plus breaks and additional time for extra topics.
For further information please read our last blog.
Yes. At Child Matters we’ve made some key modifications to our training procedures as follows, to prioritise learner safety during the training.
Working to extremely strict hygiene and infection control measures to minimise any infection risk.
Social Distancing & ‘Bubbles’:
Practiman Advanced Plus Manikins which have:
Child Matters will transfer up to 1 course booked FREE of charge if you, or anyone you live with, are currently unwell with suspected COVID-19 symptoms.
Child Matters are continuing to offer and provide Paediatric First Aid Training, due to the ‘essential’ nature of the training provided. However, the safety of every ‘learner’ attending, the trainers delivering the courses and the support staff at every venue, are our highest priority of all.
Please therefore follow all of the safety guidance provided before and during any First Aid Course you may be attending.
Yes, please be aware of the following:
Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what our students have to say!
Very engaging and interesting! A strong passion for her profession.
Fantastic course really enjoyed it thank you
Brilliant Clear and Helpful
Highly recommended. Nice to have a refresher . Claire is calm and thorough and very approachable.
Fantastic and very helpful course. Thank you
Claire was amazing. Even though I’ve had first aid training previously, Claire made the course enjoyable and relaxing. I felt at ease while practicing the practical parts of the course and enjoyed my training.
Excellent clear training and a great sense of humour.
Claire is an excellent instructor who is able to bring this very important and essential knowledge in a enjoyable way, making me feel more confident of my first aid skills and knowledge. Amazing equipment too.
