We wanted to let you know about the Paediatric First Aid certificate extension that has been announced.
There has been a statement by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) providing clarification for paediatric certificates, their validity and extensions during the current pandemic. The government have released the following statement.
“If PFA certificate requalification training is prevented for reasons associated directly with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, or by complying with related government advice, the validity of current certificates can be extended to 31 March 2021 at the latest. This applies to certificates expiring on or after 1 October 2020 and includes paediatric first aiders in provision registered on the General Childcare Register as well as Ofsted registered early years provision.”
Similar to workplace first aid governed by the HSE, providers must explain why the first aider or company has not been able to requalify and then demonstrate what steps they have taken to access the training. Employers or certificate holders must do their best to arrange requalification training at the earliest opportunity.
The policy position for EYFS is that first aid training required to comply with the Early Years Framework and Ofsted for childminders, nannies and au pairs can continue to take place under relevant coronavirus restrictions in England. This means that all COVID safe measures as explained before must be taken to ensure that both training activities are COVID safe, secure and environmentally appropriate.
Clarification regarding this extension can be read in full at the following link: www.gov.uk/government/EYFS
We are expecting March to be really busy with people wanting to update their certificates. Especially now that this Paediatric First Aid certificate extension has been published.
If you need your First Aid at Work, or your Paediatric First Aid Qualifiaction to be up to date before the end of March do get in touch soon! We have safe and secure training options in place.
