We have been awaiting the finalisation of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS) First Aid update for some time, since the consultation process started.
We can finally bring you news about what this means for you, our clients, and it is exactly what we have been advising for some time.
Early Years Foundation Stage framework Updated 2017
First Aid Updates
The below quote from the framework, confirms that all new staff coming in to the industry must have a recognised first aid qualification, within 3 months of starting work. We currently offer both required paediatric first aid qualifications.
3.25.At least one person who has a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and must accompany children on outings. The certificate must be for a full course consistent with the criteria set out in Annex A. Childminders, and any assistant who might be in sole charge of the children for any period of time, must hold a full current PFA certificate. PFA training30 must be renewed every three years and be relevant for workers caring for young children and where relevant, babies. Providers should take into account the number of children, staff and layout of premises to ensure that a paediatric first aider is able to respond to emergencies quickly. All newly qualified31 entrants to the early years workforce who have completed a level 2 and/or level 3 qualification on or after 30 June 2016, must also have either a full PFA or an emergency PFA certificate within three months of starting work32 in order to be included in the required staff:child ratios at level 2 or level 3 in an early years setting33. Providers should display (or make available to parents) staff PFA certificates or a list of staff who have a current PFA certificate.
What this means for your early years setting?
You should have a mixture of Emergency Paediatric First Aid, and Full Paediatric First Aid trained staff, with a list of qualified staff available for parents to see. To ensure you have adequate cover for leave and sickness, we would highly recommend all staff are now qualified in first aid, and that all senior staff have the 2 day full first aid paediatric qualification.
We recommend the regulated training qualifications, over the unregulated certificates, to ensure the standard of training meets the minimum requirements laid out in this framework.
First Aid Training for your Nursery or Early Years setting
We would recommend the Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Qualification to our clients, to ensure staff are offering the highest possible response to accidents, and are able to recognised complex child based conditions, including meningitis, green stick fractures and febrile seizures.
We would also recommend the face to face training, rather than the blended learning option, we also offer. This allows us to confirm understanding with learners, and give more time to practice and give practical training.
Book your Paediatric First Aid Qualification with us today….
