What’s a good paediatric first aid course for childminders?

One of the greatest fears people face working in childcare is a child having an accident. It’s an understandable fear. A parent just gave you the most important thing in their life. You really want to make sure you return it in one piece. 

It was totally manageable, and dealing with it, because of your first aid training, you know what to do. It’s never as scary when you’re in the situation. And young children… I have covered so many scraped knees. But it’s fine—they’re really resilient.

Hannah, Koru Kids advisor, on her experience as a Forest School leader

So, serious accidents are few and far between. And with a good paediatric first aid course, you will be prepared. But what’s the best course if you are thinking about becoming a childminder?

Ofsted first aid requirements

The right course will meet Ofsted’s first aid requirements for childminders. That means a 12-hour course. But only 6 hours need to be done in person. 6 hours can be online, so that makes it more flexible around a busy schedule. 

Koru Kids provide free first aid training for any childminders that work with us. We want everything done right, especially when the life and health of little children is involved. That’s why we have partnered with Tigerlily. Their paediatric first aid course meets Ofsted’s requirements, as stated in the September 2021 EYFS Framework.

Online paediatric first aid course

If you start with the theoretical part, you’ll be prepared for the in-person training. A 6-hour online course is perfect to tell you everything you need before your face-to-face day. It’s also part of your assessment. This way, you know you remember what you learnt, and get it right. Being prepared mentally is a huge part of first aid. When you feel confident and calm, you can handle just about anything. (Though, when you become a childminder, it will mainly be a bump or bruise.)

In-person first aid training

Your online training is valuable, but it won’t get you anywhere without the 6-hour practical training. Even if you have done it before, doing it for real locks that knowledge in. Every little bit of knowledge helps to keep children safe. Your qualified first aid trainer will be able to support you in how to do it right. The group you attend with is small, so there will be plenty of time for you to practice and ask any questions. 

What’s in a paediatric first aid course for childminders?

When you want to meet the Ofsted first aid requirements, you need something extensive. The first aid training Koru Kids offers through Tigerlily is just that. The course will cover:

• Roles & Responsibilities of the First Aider
• Assessing an Emergency Situation & Prioritising Action
• Choking
• Head Injuries
• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Bites & Stings
• Suspected Fracture
• Burns & Scalds 
• Minor Injuries
• Fevers

There is much, much more involved, but you will learn all that during the course. If you need to find out more about the course ahead of time, just ask us at any point during your free childminder training.

What qualification will I get after my paediatric first aid course?

You will gain a ‘Full Paediatric First Aid Qualification’ after you have completed the 12-hour course. But that’s not the end for Koru Kids. When you become a childminder with us, we also offer training in safeguarding, safe sleep, food hygiene, and EYFS, as well as guided outdoor learning, setting up your home, and running your business as a childminder. 

We want to make sure you feel confident in your role as a Koru Kids Early Educator. Yes, you will be looking after children’s growing minds. But you will also look after their growing bodies. Nutritious food and hours outside are two ways to do that. But it’s equally important that you are prepared and confident as a trained first aider for the early years. 

We hope you feel ready to take that plunge, and make a big difference in little lives. If you want to read more about what it takes to become a childminder, here’s our ultimate guide.