Paediatric First Aid Blended Learning
Paediatric first aid training is one of the most important investments any school or childcare provider can make. It ensures staff are prepared to respond calmly and effectively when a child needs urgent help, giving parents confidence that their children are in safe hands. At Practical Safety Ltd, we provide both traditional two-day paediatric first aid courses and a blended learning option, giving schools and childcare providers the flexibility to choose the format that works best for them.
The Advantages of Blended Learning for Paediatric First Aid Training
Meeting statutory first aid requirements is an essential responsibility for schools and childcare settings. Staff must be confident in dealing with a wide range of potential emergencies, from minor bumps and scrapes through to life-threatening incidents involving infants and children. Traditionally, gaining a paediatric first aid qualification has required attending two full days of classroom learning. While highly effective, this format can create challenges for busy schools and early years providers where cover arrangements and staff availability are already stretched.
Blended learning offers an effective, modern alternative – combining online study with face-to-face practical training. This approach is fully recognised by the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted, provided the online and classroom elements together meet the required 12 hours of learning time.
Key Advantages of Blended Learning
1. Flexibility for Busy Staff
One of the biggest benefits of blended learning is the flexibility it provides. The theory component of the paediatric first aid course can be completed online at a time and pace that suits the learner. Staff can fit modules around their working day, reducing the need for lengthy absences from the classroom or nursery floor.
2. Reduced Time Away from the Workplace
Instead of attending two full classroom days, learners only need to attend one day in person for the practical assessment. This not only saves on staff cover costs but also minimises disruption to the school or childcare setting.
3. Interactive and Engaging Online Modules
Modern e-learning platforms are designed to be engaging, using video demonstrations, interactive quizzes, and scenario-based learning. This helps staff to retain knowledge more effectively and revisit sections if they need additional reinforcement before the practical day.
4. Hands-On Confidence Building
The classroom element remains essential – it is where learners put theory into practice under the guidance of an experienced trainer. Skills such as CPR, choking management, dealing with anaphylaxis, and using an AED require hands-on practice. Blended learning ensures these critical skills are taught to the same high standard as a traditional course.
5. Meeting Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Blended paediatric first aid courses are designed to meet the requirements of the DfE’s Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Learners who successfully complete the course achieve a recognised Level 3 qualification that is accepted by Ofsted.
6. Improved Learning Outcomes
Evidence shows that blended learning can actually improve outcomes. By covering theory online in advance, learners arrive at the practical session with a stronger knowledge base, ready to focus on applying their skills.
How Practical Safety Ltd Can Help
For schools, nurseries and other childcare providers, blended paediatric first aid training strikes the right balance between flexibility, quality, and compliance. Staff gain the essential skills they need to act quickly and effectively in an emergency – without the challenges of multiple days out of the workplace.
At Practical Safety Ltd, we deliver accredited blended paediatric first aid courses using the latest training equipment and proven learning methods. Our approach helps education providers stay compliant while ensuring staff feel confident to protect the children in their care. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more traditional format, we also offer the full two-day classroom course.
Conclusion
Whichever format you choose – blended or traditional – the goal remains the same: ensuring that staff are fully prepared to deal with emergencies involving children. With the right training in place, schools and childcare settings can provide a safer environment and the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is always at hand when it matters most.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
*Disclaimer: This blog post is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. It is the responsibility of the appointed responsible person within each business or organisation to carry out a suitable and sufficient first aid needs assessment when deciding on the level of training and method of training delivery they require. Training courses should always be delivered by an accredited provider.
