Staff at settings in Cornwall will start to receive paediatric first aid training next month, as part of new government plans that were given the go-ahead earlier this year.
St John Ambulance is urging childcare providers to make sure they have the most up-to-date training, in line with new legislation, with extra courses being provided to support increased demand.
Early years providers will need to ensure they have at least one paediatric first aider at their setting at all times, along with the required number of level 2 qualified practitioners and level 3 qualified practitioners, to fulfil ratios as outlined.
This now means that staff are required to hold an emergency paediatric first aid or full paediatric first aid certificate, in order to count toward ratios.
This potentially life-saving change in legislation is set to see approximately 15,000 additional first aid trained members of staff in early years settings each year.
Head of Education and Training Products at St John Ambulance, Andrew New said:
“We believe all child facing roles should be first aid trained, so we welcome the government’s proposals as this will have a real impact on the safety of children in nurseries and similar places.”
In supporting this new legislation, St John Ambulance runs two-day paediatric first aid courses throughout the year and have added a new, one-day emergency paediatric first aid course which will start from September 1.
For more information on these courses visit the St John Ambulance website: sja.org.uk.