Paediatric First Aid

Is this course suitable for childminders and early years staff in Northern Ireland?

It’s designed with childcare and early years settings in mind and covers a wide range of emergencies, injuries and childhood illnesses. Requirements for registered childcare settings are set locally, so please check your Health and Social Care Trust Early Years team’s current requirements to confirm which qualification you need.

What’s the difference between Paediatric First Aid and Emergency Paediatric First Aid?

Emergency Paediatric First Aid is a one-day course covering the emergencies you’d need to deal with first, such as CPR, choking, serious bleeding, shock and seizures. Paediatric First Aid covers all of that over two days, plus a wider range of injuries and childhood illnesses, including fractures, head and spinal injuries, burns, asthma, meningitis, febrile convulsions and anaphylaxis.

How is the course assessed?

There are two parts. Your trainer will watch you demonstrate the practical skills, such as CPR, on your own and without prompting, and you’ll complete a multiple-choice theory paper under exam conditions. Everything you’re assessed on is covered during the course, and you’ll have plenty of practice first.

Will I need to kneel on the floor?

Yes. You’ll demonstrate skills such as CPR and the recovery position on the floor, so you’ll need to be able to kneel and work at floor level, and comfortable clothing is best. If you have a mobility, medical or other need that might affect this, please contact us as early as possible before booking. We’ll consider reasonable adjustments, as long as they stay within the awarding body’s assessment rules.

Is it a regulated qualification, and how long does it last?

Yes. You’ll receive the STA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid, awarded by Safety Training Awards (STA) and regulated by CCEA in Northern Ireland. It’s valid for three years, and you’ll need to retake the course before it expires to stay qualified. HSE also strongly recommends annual refresher training in between to keep your skills current.

When will we receive certificates?

Certificates are usually issued within 72 hours of the course. Each learner receives theirs by email, and you can access the whole group’s certificates any time through My Northlight.

Can I book a place as an individual?

We currently deliver Paediatric First Aid onsite for nurseries, schools and other organisations, for up to 12 learners per course. If you’re an individual or a small setting looking for a place, contact us and we’ll let you know what’s available.