Paediatric first aid training will be compulsory for all nursery staff in England from September 2016, under government proposals, following the death of a baby in October 2012.
If you run a Nursery, or work within one, you’ll know how much red tape and legislation surrounds what you can and cannot do, from child protection to nappy waste disposal. Today (12th March, 15) new government proposals were announced, which require all nursery staff in England to be fully trained in paediatric first aid.
This is off the back of an e-petition, calling for such laws, which was set up by Joanne Thompson, the mother of baby Millie, who died in late 2012 after choking at her local nursery. The petition, which closed at the end of last year, received over 103,000 signatures in support of the new proposed law.
What is pediatric first aid training?
Paediatric first aid training (formerly known as first aid for child carers) is designed with people caring for children in mind, and is recommended for nannies, childminders, nursery and preschool works, parents and anyone else involved with the welfare of children. The certification is recognised by Ofsted.
The course covers a whole range of scenarios, including unconsciousness, choking, shock, minor wounds, burns, sickness, broken bones, swallowing harmless substances and adult first aid.
What does this meaning for your nursery?
These new proposed laws will mean that your Nursery staff must legally be trained in paediatric first aid, from September 2016. This applies to both current staff in nurseries, and any new employees taken on after this date. You will need to arrange training for your staff and vet any new employees to make sure they hold the correct certification. Nurseries who have 100% first aid trained staff will be able to display a new kitemark scheme, ‘Millie’s Mark’.
What can you do?
Book your workers onto a Paediatric First Aid Course Today
- Paediatric First Aid
This two day course is for those who care for babies and children in any professional setting (e.g. nannies, child-minders, nursery workers and au pairs).
The qualification is certified for professional use, meets Childcare Registration requirements, and is recommended for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
