We’ve been made aware by some of our clients that companies have approached their School or nursery telling them that all their staff must be paediatric first aid trained by September in order to comply with the Law. With this in mind we wanted to clarify the position under the new Regulations from 1st September 2016.
The new rules announced by the Government are that from 1st September 2016 All newly qualified staff possessing a Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare qualification must also hold a current qualification in Emergency Paediatric First Aid or full Paediatric First Aid certificate in order to be included in the required staff to child ratios in an early years setting. There is a grace period of 3 months with a new employer to obtain the qualification. There will be an exception included in EYFS with regard to disabled persons who are otherwise capable of looking after children. It may be that EYFS states they are to attend the training and receive a certificate of awareness this has yet to be clarified.
In addition the NDNA have been awarded the contract to offer ‘Millies Mark’ which is a voluntary accreditation scheme that lets parents know; that the setting provides a level of first aid cover above and beyond the required standards. To be awarded ‘Millies Mark’ EVERY member of staff must hold a current paediatric first aid qualification. Again this may be either an Emergency Paediatric First Aid or full Paediatric First Aid certificate.
Dan and Joanne Thompson have worked tirelessly to push for these changes that aim to ensure our children receive the help they need should an emergency occur. There are some nurseries who have been piloting the scheme and we’re awaiting further announcements about how you can apply for ‘Millies Mark’.
First aid is a life skill that everyone should have an awareness of at any age; and first aid sessions can be anything from a basic 3 hour course, or a 2 hour childrens first aid workshop up to a 3 day full first aid at work course.
If you’d like any further information or have any questions CALL Jayne or Lynne on 0161 672 7250 or email info@pulsetp.co.uk or visit our education early years page