The Department of Education have launched a new statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. This is a mandatory framework that all early years providers in England must adhere to.
The new framework came into force on the 3rd April 2017 and sets the standards for learning, development and care of children from birth to five years old for maintained schools, non-maintained schools, independent schools (including free schools and academies), all providers on the Early Years Register and all providers registered with an early years childminder agency (CMA).
Early years providers must have at least one person, who holds a current full paediatric first aid qualification (this is the 2 day (12 hour) paediatric first aid course), on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and must accompany children on outings.
Childminders, and any assistant who might be in sole charge of the children for any period of time, must also hold a full current Paediatric First Aid certificate.
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 other child care staff who are included in the mandatory staff to children ratio, must hold either a full Paediatric First Aid (as above) or Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification, (this is the 1 day (6 hour course), and gain this qualification within three months of starting work.
Exceptions can be made if a person is unable to gain a paediatric first aid qualification if a disability would prevent them from doing so, but wherever possible they should still attend a paediatric first aid course and obtain a certificate or written letter of attendance.