Training for Schools & Childcare Providers

Working in the childcare sector is demanding and rarely receives the recognition it deserves. It does however qualify for its own dedicated page.

Whether it’s a mental health or physical health issue causing concern, the diverse challenges, coupled with a huge sense of responsibility when dealing with children, requires a unique approach.

Navigating rules on first aid for childcarers is a source of stress and confusion for many. The rules are abundant, the laws is ‘simple’. But interpreting what that means for you can be complex and counterintuitive.

You are not alone in feeling uncertain about which course is right for you or your organisation, but this page aims to help you make an informed choice.

There is a lot of information so best put some slippers on and get comfortable. We’ve broken it down like Lego.

Ofstead stands for the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

It is a government organisation that inspect the services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. They also inspect and regulate services that care for children and young people.

Ofsted register the service setting or provider (e.g. the nursery or nanny), on their ‘Childcare register’.

For a setting such as a school, nursery, after-school or holiday club, childminder, and some private nannies to be on the Ofsted register, it/they must meet a strict set of criteria. They will be subject to regular checks carried out by an Ofsted inspector.

Paediatric first aid training must meet the Ofsted recommendations for a first aid certificate to be used as part of the childcare provider’s registration.

Rest assured the level 3, 12 hour Paediatric first aid (PFA) and Level 3, 6 hour Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) courses delivered by The Bridge First Aid instructors meet and exceed Ofsted’s recommended criteria.

If you asked any training provider whether their first aid course is Ofsted registered, then the answer should always be no. If a course is advertised as Ofsted registered, then please question the training provider. Ofsted publish the criteria for an appropriate first aid certificate, but they do not register first aid training. Ofsted compliant would be a more accurate course description. This may seem like semantics but the distinction is important to understand.

If you completed training with another provider we are happy to advise on the merits of your qualification ahead of your Ofsted inspection.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a term defined in Section 39 of the British government’s Childcare Act 2006.[1].

The EYFS comprises a set of welfare requirements and a set of learning and development requirements. These must be followed by providers of care for children under five years old; the age of compulsory education in the United Kingdom.

Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certification is mandatory for those working with infants and children. As stated by the Statutory Framework for the EYFS.

In this final section we take a look at requirements for individuals who do not work in an Ofsted registered setting and do not have sole responsibility for babies or children in the EYFS.

This is relevant if you are not working as part of the staff ratio in an Ofsted registered setting and you do not work alone or with sole responsibility for an infant or a child.

This might include staff or volunteers who work with extra curricula providers, sports camps, holiday clubs, breakfast cubs, after school clubs, outsourced PE coaches, private tutors, music teachers, yoga instructors, dance or drama teachers.

Not all childcare settings are Ofsted registered. Some external providers either work in schools during school hours where adequate first aid provision is in place,  or a parent or legal guardian are present at all times. In this instance a basic first aid course may suffice.

Proceed with caution! It’s a grey area

The Health and Safety at Work act states you must provide first aid that is adequate and appropriate what ever your individual circumstance.

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, “employers must provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, first aid facilities and first aid personnel” – but this does not necessarily translate into a first aid qualification.

If you have sole responsibility for an infant a child or an adult you have a duty of care to select training which adequately covers your need. Children in the same age group can fall under multiple classifications so below we clarify what the law defines as an infant, child and adult in this context.

Does a blended training course meet the Ofsted and EYFS mandatory requirements?

The Bridge First Aid can only advocate for our own blended Paediatric First Aid courses which meet and exceeds the recommendations outlined by Ofsted and the EYFS. With the recent pandemic learners must still complete a practical element or training with a manikin, and must demonstrate mouth-to-mouth CPR.

Is anaphylaxis and auto-injector use training included in the course?

The Bridge first aid include anaphylaxsis and safe auto-injector use training on our paediatric first aid courses. If your previous first aid providers did not include this training we can come to your setting armed with Epipen JEXT Emerade auto injector trainer pens, manikins and AED for a thorough refresh.

Alternatively, we can provide live, interactive, online auto-injector training.

How much is the training and what discounts do you offer?

We offer discounts on all our courses for return clients, multiple bookings and, where possible, voluntary and charitable organisations. Our fair, but competitive, prices are listed under the course information. Click the book button below for more details on your course of interest.

Sadly we have had to increase our prices for the first time in several years due to limitations on space and risk management following the social distancing rules. We have also had to provide extra equipment, PPE and individual training packs. We do our best to keep costs low without compromising quality and safety.