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Are you ready for the changes too Paediatric First Aid???

Paediatric First Aid Training changes

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First aid training – what will be compulsory?

As you’ve heard in the news recently, by 2016 all new nursery and pre-school staff will be legally required to undergo Paediatric First Aid Training. But what will this mean for early years providers? Does it affect everyone? And where can more information be found? 

The background

New proposals for first aid training in EYFS follow the tragic death of Millie Thompson, who died after choking at her nursery in October 2012. After losing their daughter in such a devastating way, Millie’s parents, Joanne and Dan Thompson, embarked on a huge awareness campaign for change – a change to the current rule that early years providers need to have just one paediatric first aider available on site.

A consultation by the Department for Education followed, reviewing in detail first aid training in early years settings and collecting thoughts and opinions from those involved in early years care to proposed amendments to the framework.

What will change?

New rules which result in a change to the EYFS have been announced by the government which affect paediatric first aid training in all early years’ settings. These changes come into force from the beginning of September 2016. The consultation showed overwhelming agreement among those who responded with the proposed changes.

There is also the introduction of a voluntary accreditation scheme called ‘Millie’s Mark’, which will be administrated by the National Day Nurseries Association.

What are the changes to the EYFS?

As of September 2016, all newly qualified level 2 or level 3 early years/childcare staff must have an emergency paediatric first aid or a full paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate, if they are to count towards staff:child ratios under the early years foundation stage. There will be a grace period of 3 months after starting work with a new employer in which to attain the first aid training certification.

The emergency first aid training course would be the equivalent of 1 day of training and would need to be refreshed every 3 years in order for the staff member to keep counting in the ratios.

There will be an exception included in the new EYFS on the grounds of equal opportunities that will allow disabled persons who are otherwise capable members of staff, but who may not be able to complete the training, to count towards staff:child ratios. It will be recommended that these staff members be required to attend PFA training to absorb and learn what they can. Those that do attend PFA training in these circumstances will receive a certificate of attendance.

According to the Department for Education, this change will add approximately 15,000 additional trained early year’s professionals to nurseries and pre-schools every year.

Key Points for EYFS Changes:

• Applies from September 2016
• Relevant for newly qualified level 2/3 childcare/EYFS staff
• Comprises 1 day of training to attain either an Emergency Paediatric First Aid or full Paediatric First Aid certificate
• Exceptions for disabled staff members where relevant
• 3 months grace period after initial employment
• Revised EYFS documentation to be published
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Accreditation and ‘Millie’s Mark’ Gold Standard Certificates

In addition to the training requirements, there will be new certificate available for nurseries. This will be appropriately entitled ‘Millie’s Mark’, and will be given to nurseries that have been able to reach gold-standard levels.

The accreditation scheme will be administrated and awarded by the National Day Nursery Association, and the Gold Standard Millie’s Mark certificate will be awarded to those providers where all members of staff have completed PFA training. You can find out more about Millie’s Mark from the National Day Nurseries Association.