School admin assistant application

[Newstart142]

Hi guys

I am currently filling out my application form for an admin assistant at a local primary school. I think I have pretty much covered it but there is still one point I have not covered as I'm not sure what to write..

• Appropriate knowledge of first aid

I don't know what to write for this as I don't have any first aid training etc

Can someone please help?

Also if someone is able to proof read my supporting information I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance xx

Why don't you look at joining a course with st Johns ambulance first aid for children, and then put the dates you are going to do that on the application.

Make sure if you do book a course, book a paediatric 2 or 3 day course one as that covers children from EYFS.

I agree put down dates that you will be attending first aid courses. I did a children’s first aid course through nct a few years ago was a one day courses and not pricey.

Seconding TheTwilightZone's advice. You may not get the job, but first aid training is always useful.

You don't need to book on a course. The school will have its own in house trained first-aiders. They may like to know you are savvy on the basics;bumps/bruises/grazes/minor cuts/sickness. Head injuries have specialist treatment e.g.: bump book, letter to take home. I am a school administrator.

Even if you are 1st aid trained the school will send you on their own in house 1st aid training course . So I would put down that you’re not 1st aid trained but willing to learn

First aid courses do expire very quickly. Just state your openness to taking up any aspects of training. It is probable the current role/ person they support is first aid trained. A school would need A few and a non teaching member of staff is ideal.

Is it an essential or desirable?

If essential I’d say something along the lines of that’s I don’t have an official qualification but more than willing to obtain one. That you have some very basic ability (but only if you can apply plasters and know about running cold water on a burn).

If desirable just put your willing to attend a course.

I'd just put something like 'I have basic first aid knowledge from my own family life however would be more than willing to undertake further training as necessary'. I doubt all the other applicants will have it either and if they do they'd probably need a refresher so I wouldn't it really worry about it and concentrate on all the other examples in the person specification!

I agree with booking a course & give dates in evidence. Also add the willingness to attend any additional trading etc.
I also agree that any training can only be a good thing for every day life.
Good luck.

You don't say whether it's essential or desirable criteria?

If it's desirable, there are many free online basic first aid courses you can do and download a certificate at the end.

Here's one I just Googled but there are many to choose from.

If anything it shows initiative and that you're serious about getting the job.

I would say I have a good understanding of basic first aid with regard to looking after children but no formal training. I would be happy to attend appropriate level of training if required. They should have first aiders on site anyway and if not provide the training and update it regularly

Thanks for your replies everyone

This is what i have put together....

Thank you for your reply. How should i word this? I was thinking something along the lines of....

Over the years I have developed a basic knowledge of first aid from my own family life and work experiences. I am able to treat nose bleeds and use adhesive bandages to cover minor cuts and scrapes. I am also able to treat minor burns. Although I don't have an official qualification I am more than willing to obtain one and and undertake further training as necessary.

How does it sound?

To be honest it sounds as though you could have made that up.

Why not do one of the free online courses and then print the certificate?

They (and I'm sure you) will be much happier with some sort of evidence.

I would be surprised if it's essential. Most of the staff will already be trained and you could just go on a course organised by them if you get the job.

I would just say you have no formal training, but are willing to learn.

I wouldn’t try and beef it up tbh. Just be clear and say you have no first aid experience, but it is an area you are keen improve and a skill you wish to acquire.

Mentioning life experience is all well and good at interview stage, but on an application it may indicate that you are stuck in your own methods and ways. Performing first aid to your own children at home is very different to being a first aider in general.

Employers will probably look more favourable on someone who sees the importance of first aid, but is also a blank canvas to learn and employ it properly.

Just say something along the lines of

Although I have no formal qualifications in first aid, being a caring parent has exposed me to the importance of responding appropriately to medical emergencies. These experiences have sparked a passion in me to further my skills in this area.

Or do a St. John’s course. But you may not have time. But, by just enrolling, you may show some dedication.

I think what you've written sounds fine (I work in a school).

Willingness to go on training courses and willing to have a go (ie not panicking at a child being sick or bleeding, not having a "not my job" attitude) is what they will be looking for IMO.

Over the years I have developed a basic knowledge of first aid from my own family life and work experiences. —I am able to treat nose bleeds and use adhesive bandages to cover minor cuts and scrapes. I am also able to treat minor burns.— Although I don't have an official qualification I am more than willing to obtain one and and undertake further training as necessary.

No need for the middle bit.

pm if you would like any answers proofread

Willingness to go on training courses and willing to have a go (ie not panicking at a child being sick or bleeding, not having a "not my job" attitude) is what they will be looking for IMO.

I agree it's what they'll be looking for but it won't be all they'll be looking for.

School admin jobs are like hen's teeth, due to the amount of time off they get.

Producing an actual certificate as well as stating a willingness to learn, could be what puts her up the top of a very large heap of applicants.

Honestly leave out the home life stuff. That basically is saying "no I'm not qualified , I do a lot of stuff that may or may not be recommended practice".

Just say that although you don't have a qualification you're willing to learn.

Don't waste valuable application space on justifying an easily remedied negative.

Thanks again for all your replies.

@MrsPMT how do i pm you?

Yes if you have time to book on a course or say in the application that you have, then agree it would help.

These jobs aren't like hens teeth where I'm from very difficult schools

@Newstart142 click on message poster along from my name in my post