First Stop Safety Training delivers hundreds of First Aid courses across Scotland each year. One of our frequently asked questions is, “Which paediatric course is right for us?” The requirements can be confusing. There are two options; the 6-hour Emergency Paediatric Course (EPFA) or the 12-hour Paediatric First Aid Course (PFA). In England, the 12-hour course is looked upon as the ‘gold standard’ for childcare. In Scotland, it’s not so black and white. Did you know, there are no specific requirements for the number of paediatric first aid-trained staff under Scotland’s Health and Social Care Standards?
When deciding which course is appropriate for your setting, a first aid site-specific risk assessment should be conducted. This will help you identify the needs of your setting such as; how many first aid kits you should have, what supplies to store in them, the number of staff you need to be trained and the level at which to have them trained.
We are passionate about promoting the highest levels of first aid and training so when questioned, we will always recommend the full Paediatric course if possible. The Emergency Paediatric course does not include topics such as asthma, febrile convulsions or head injuries. All of these emergencies have a high chance of occurring in a childcare setting and it is best the staff are prepared and feel confident in dealing with them.
When we launched First Stop Safety Training 5 years ago, most settings opted for the 6-hour course only. We are now pleased to see a turn of the tides. More settings are now opting in favour of the 12-hour course. The reason for this? A lot of it comes down to Millie’s Mark. For those of you who don’t know- Millie’s Mark is an accreditation which shows childcare providers go above and beyond the minimum requirements by having 100% of staff trained in paediatric first aid. Some of which must hold the 12-hour course.
First Stop Safety Training is a training provider which is approved, monitored and regulated by The First Aid Industry Body (FAIB). They offer the ‘In Safe Hands’ Award. To gain the “In Safe Hands Award”, Nurseries and Pre-Schools have to achieve a minimum of: 35% of staff trained in paediatric first aid (12 hours) & 35% of staff Trained in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (6 hours). Childminders must have the Paediatric First Aid (12 hours) certificate.
If you think the 12-hour course would be suitable for your setting we are pleased to announce we offer this course as blended learning. We are the only first aid company in Scotland that has created and had their blended learning courses vetted/approved by FAIB. Blended learning is becoming increasingly popular as it allows for more flexibility, allowing you to manage your learning around your day-to-day responsibilities. This way of learning combines some content being delivered online, and the remaining course being classroom-based.
Still unsure which course is right for you? Send us an email and we’ll happily discuss your options at info@firststopsafetytraining.co.uk
