Which First Aid Course is right for me?
I am asked on a daily basis,
“Which first aid course should I attend?”
“Do I need to do 12 Hours Paediatric First Aid or just the 6 Hours 1 Day classroom course?”
“Do you offer training for schools, how is this different?”
No matter how long your course is, the key to completing a successful course, is to come away confident to give prompt and appropriate first aid following a medical emergency. These vital skills are paramount for anyone with responsibility for other people’s children.
New legislation that came into effect in April 2017 in which the Department of Education requires all newly qualified level two and three child carers to have either an emergency paediatric first aid or full paediatric first aid certificate means that everyone in the childcare settings will be trained. To view the new legislation please click here . The new requirements did not affect childminders, who are already required to have a full 12 Hour PFA certificate.
It remains a legal requirement in the EYFS ( nurseries, preschools, Reception year) for at least one person to have a valid full 12-hour paediatric first aid certificate and be available at all times within a professional child care establishment. This includes cover for sickness and annual leave and to accompany children on trips or excursions. Many settings choose to train all their staff in the 12 Hour Paediatric First Aid Level 3 course so they are all highly skilled and covered for all eventualities.
The one day Emergency Paediatric First Aid Level 3 (EPFA) course is an option if you are a newly qualified child carer complying with the latest legislation and if you are a nanny or child carer registering on the VOLUNTARY CHILDCARE REGISTER. You don’t have to register with Ofsted as a nanny, but there are some advantages. For instance, registration means parents may be able to get help paying for childcare.
Child Matters offer the 12-hour Paediatric First Aid Level 3 course as a 2-day 100% practical classroom course for groups and in-house training in your setting (minimum 8 persons). Alternatively, the new modern approach is the convenient blended learning, with 6 hours online pre-learning, followed by 6 hours in the classroom, saving you time and money. Attend a Public classroom or arrange for the blended course to be set up for your team of staff.
“This is fantastic news for the safety of all children in early year’s settings and their families. In childminding settings, all childminders and their assistants must hold a full PFA certificate. So we are in favour of more first aid trained staff in group settings. The Millie Thompson case in 2012 highlights the fact that paediatric first aid training can mean the difference between the life and death of a child. So in making First Aid mandatory could ultimately save a child’s life.”
Is there any difference in schools? First Aid for Schools has a similar, if not the same curriculum, as Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) with all the paediatric elements of our childcare professionals courses. Staff working in EYFS/reception classes still require the 12 Hour paediatric First Aid Course. The guidance on first aid for schools (parts 51-53) states that standard first aid at work training courses do not include resuscitation procedures for children. The employer should arrange appropriate training for their first-aid personnel. Child Matters can tailor courses specifically to the schools’ needs. We love to deliver in—house training to small or whole school staff with a ratio of 1 trainer 12 students.
Our paediatric courses fully comply with all requirements for Millie’s Mark and we would love to help you with the due diligence to meet the requirements of Millie’s Mark.
All our first aid courses fully meet the UK and European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2015 as per the HSE requirements. Child Matters is approved by ProTrainings who regularly monitor every one of our certified courses and instructors to make sure you receive the best training possible.
Child Matters paediatric first aid training:
All our training is in line with the latest guidance from the Department of Education, Ofsted, the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and fulfil Childcare Registration requirements. The paediatric first aid courses have been carefully designed for people caring for children in any setting; equipping you with vital skills to attend to most common first aid emergencies. The knowledge our trainers has allows us to address the special medical needs of the children in your setting.
The online element of our training is delivered through our sister company www.propaediatric.co.uk. The eLearning course consists of interactive online training, compatible with all computers and mobiles devices. The course consists of videos, step-by-step directions, infographics and pictures, with test yourself sections throughout. You are able to stop and start as often as you like and will retain continuous access for a full year.
Scheduled public courses are held across several counties including Herts, Bucks, Berks, RBWM, Middlesex and Oxfordshire.
The flexibility arising from the changes in the Regulations gives you more choice in the first aid training for their employees and who they choose to provide it. Child Matters can demonstrate how we satisfy criteria set by HSE. These criteria include:
