Paediatric First Aid training courses cover how to manage emergency and non-emergency illness and injuries in children and infants. They focus on the child and infant age groups from newborn infants up to puberty.
These courses are a requirement for professional childcarers such as childminders, nannies and au pairs as well as staff working in primary schools and nurseries. Training should be updated at least once every 3 years.
The courses are also ideal for parents, grandparents and babysitters.
Paediatric First Aid Courses
If your work involves looking after children, you may need a recognised Paediatric First Aid (PFA) qualification.
The criteria for these courses are set by the EYFS Statutory Framework
The Early Years Foundation Stage sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.
All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.
What is a Blended Paediatric First Aid course?
The Full Paediatric First Aid course can be completed either as 12 hours of face to face training (usually 2 days) or as a Blended Paediatric course which is made up of an eLearning module plus one day of practical face to face training.
First Aid for Childminders
Childminders need to have a Full Paediatric First Aid qualification in order to comply with EYFS regulations and to register with Ofsted .
Paediatric First Aid for Nannies and Au Pairs
Ofsted registered nannies need to have a Full Paediatric First Aid qualification Au pairs and nannies who are not registered with Ofsted do not have to complete the Full Paediatric First Aid course although it is a good idea for them to do this since they are often in sole charge of babies and children.
As a minimum, they should complete the Emergency Paediatric First Aid course.
First Aid for Schools and Nurseries
Schools and Nurseries have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety not just of the pupils but also for their employees and anyone else on the premises. In schools and nurseries this includes teachers, non-teaching staff, pupils and visitors such as parents and contractors.
This duty of care includes ensuring that there are adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities for providing first aid.
What first aid legislation and requirements do schools and nurseries need to comply with?
The EYFS Statutory Framework (sets the criteria for Paediatric First Aid).
The HSE (sets the criteria for First Aid at Work)
In order to comply with both the EYFS and the HSE, many primary schools and nurseries will need staff trained in both Paediatric First Aid and First Aid at Work.
How many First Aiders does my school/ nursery need?
The first step in working out how many first aiders you need is to carry out a First Aid Needs assessment.
You can read the Department for Education Guidance here: First Aid in schools
First Aid for Schools (children aged over 5 years up to 18 years)
Typically, to comply with HSE guidelines, smaller settings of up to 50 employees should have at least one person available at all times who has an EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) qualification.
This can be tailored to schools so that it includes child first aid in addition to the EFAW HSE syllabus. A Schools First Aid course is a great option to ensure that staff are trained in first aid for both adults and children.
Schools with more than 50 employees, should have staff who hold a 3 day First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification. Again this can be tailored to schools so that it includes child first aid in addition to the FAW syllabus set by the HSE.
Secondary schools serving children aged 11-18 will not usually need staff to hold a Full Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification.
Paediatric First Aid for Nurseries and Schools (children under 5 years of age)
In order to satisfy EYFS and Ofsted requirements, schools with children aged under 5 and nurseries should have at least one member of staff available at all times including cover for sickness, holidays and trips who has completed a Full Paediatric First Aid course (12 hours). This can be delivered either as 2 days of face to face training or as a Blended Paediatric course which is made up of an eLearning module plus one day of practical face to face training.
Whilst it is increasingly considered best practice for all staff to be trained to this level, there is also the option for additional staff to complete a one day course in Emergency Paediatric First Aid.
Either of these courses can be combined with a 1 day Emergency First Aid at Work or 3 day First Aid at Work course ensuring compliance with both the EYFS and the HSE.
Paediatric First Aid Courses for parents and carers
If you do an internet search for Paediatric First Aid you will find a whole range of options from half day to 2 full day courses so how do you know which course is right for you?
If you don’t need training for work reasons but would like to learn first aid for babies and children the most popular courses are short 2-3 hour courses which usually cover CPR, choking, Burns, Bleeds etc.
These courses are perfect for new and expectant parents, grandparents and carers.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss first aid training please don’t hesitate to contact us:
020 8445 8998 .
