Paediatric First Aid courses are aimed at those working with children and/or infants. This includes babysitters, nannies, child carers, Nursery and School staff. The type of course you will need is dictated by your role and any governing bodies that cover your organisation. As of 3rd April 2017, maintained schools, non-maintained schools, independent schools, all providers on the Early Years Register and all providers registered with an early years childminder agency must comply with the latest Statutory framework as detailed here:
Statutory Framework (opens in a new tab). Paragraph 3.25 is the main paragraph listing the requirements with Annex A detailing the criteria for effective First Aid Training (in other words, the course syllabi). 4 Minutes courses cover the content required for both the 6-hour and the 12-hour courses.
Types of paediatric FIRST AID COURSES
Emergency Paediatric first aid Level 3 (VTQ)
This 6 hour, Level 3 course is designed for:
- Those working as a babysitter, a nanny, an au pair – but make sure that you are not required to hold the full Paediatric First Aid Qualification (e.g. you are registering with Ofsted or working with children under 5)
- or is a newly qualified level 2 or 3 entrant into the Early Years setting (you mush obtain this certificate within 3 months of starting work)
- Families and parents where you would like some form of paediatric First Aid training
Paediatric First Aid Level 3 (VTQ)
This 12 hour, Level 3 course is suitable for anyone listed in the Emergency Paediatric First Aid description, above, but that need the full Ofsted/EYFS compliant Paediatric First Aid qualification (e.g. working with children under 5). In addition, any childcare setting must have at all times someone who holds this Paediatric First Aid qualification. Childminders, and any assistant who might be in sole charge of the children for any period of time, must hold a full current Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
Paediatric First Aid – Blended Level 3 (VTQ)
This is the same as the 12 hour Paediatric course, above but consists of 6 hours online and 6 hours (1 day) in the classroom. It is still Ofsted/EYFS compliant but does not require as many hours in the classroom. There is no difference to the validity of the qualification, but it is a cheaper way of obtaining it.
First Aid for School Staff
This 5 hour course is suitable for Primary and Secondary School Staff such as lunchtime and after-school supervisors where the legal First Aid requirements for the School have already been met but the School would like additional staff trained up in First Aid. It covers the basic life-saving skills that can be applied before the arrival of a registered First Aider. It combines the elements of Emergency First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid, so that the staff to not need to take both courses.
Forest School First Aid
This 16 hour course is suitable for Forest School Practitioners and anyone who takes children out of the classroom environment. The Forest Schools First Aid course is totally integrated with the Forest School ethos, rationale and the unique professional requirements of Forest School workers.