Published 26 August 2016 

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK) is urging leisure operators to review their paediatric first aid training ahead of a new law that comes into force next week.

From 1 September 2016, all newly qualified early years staff (with a level 2 or 3 childcare qualification) will need to hold a full paediatric first aid certificate or an emergency paediatric first aid certificate.

The move to improve paediatric first aid early years settings will affect nurseries and crèches in leisure centres and private health and fitness clubs. It follows a sustained campaign by Joanne and Dan Thompson, whose nine-month old daughter Millie died after choking on her lunch while at nursery in Stockport. ‘Millie’s Law’ will provide vital reassurance to parents that their children will be well cared for, particularly in an emergency.

The government has also introduced a quality mark, known as Millie’s Mark, for early years childcare providers. Developed by the Department for Education, National Day Nurseries Association and the Thompsons, Millie’s Mark will recognise childcare providers that train all their staff in paediatric first aid, going above and beyond the minimum legal requirements.

The charity RLSS UK, one of the UK’s leading providers of paediatric first aid training, says the change in the law will also provide opportunities for leisure sites that deliver RLSS UK qualifications.

“We know from those who have completed our paediatric first aid courses that giving people vital lifesaving skills prevents accidents and ultimately saves lives. The new law will mean greater demand for our courses giving centres the opportunity to deliver training in their local communities and increase their revenues,” says Martin Symcox, director of IQL UK, the training subsidiary of RLSS UK.

RLSS UK’s Paediatric First Aid at Work is a IQL UK level 3 course covering a wide range of CPR and First Aid skills relating to children including the Emergency Paediatric First Aid syllabus. The course is Ofqual approved and meets the requirements of the Early Years and Child Care Register. It’s IQL UK Level 3 Emergency Paediatric First Aid at Work course covers emergency skills related to children covering a range of specific injuries and illness.

To find out more about what this means for you, call 0300 3230 096 or email [email protected].

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Call – 0300 3230 096