First Aid Advice?

[Chocolatechops84]

Hi All,

I'm taking over a well established playgroup in September, because the current leaders are stepping down. The group is not for profit, and run on an entirely voluntary basis. Parents are completely responsible for their own children, but... I have no current first aid qualification and would feel much better if I did! Its a really busy group & accidents happen etc.... I've looked at SJA website & a paediatric course is £169! Can anyone recommend any cheaper, or more suitable providers? Every time I've done a course before, it's been free through an employer or organisation, is this the going rate?

I actually don't think that is too bad, if you consider it lasts for 3 years, and how many children will attend the playgroup for how many sessions over that time. It is a legitimate 'expense' which could be charged to the playgroup's accounts.

That said, I would ask at your local Children's Centre, and at your LA's SENDIASS, if they know of alternatives, or of any funding you could apply for - even for half the cost.

Thank you, I'll ask the children's centre. Unfortunately the group makes virtually no money, it takes us a year to scrape together enough for the public liability insurance!

I can usually get a small local company to do mine for about £80.

St Johns usually run cheaper courses or local council adult education you don't need to do paediatric first aid it is usually covered in main courses I did PFA and it was a waste of money

What i meant was what I learned i could have learned in an ordinary first aid course

British Red Cross have free apps you can download. There is a general one and a Babies and Children one. Very simple to follow, with short videos and written instructions for dealing with emergencies. Once downloaded, the apps work without wifi access, so available anytime, anywhere. You can get them from your App Store in iPhone/pad and android.
BRC and St John Ambulance also do first aid courses, they will charges for these.
If you playgroup comes under a 'vulnerable group' category, BRC may be able to do a short community first aid training for your group, for free or a small donation. Worth a chat with your local BRC office if you qualify for this.