HEALTH AND SAFETY PRE-REQUISITES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In order for you to teach children  you will need to be able to show evidence of a current DBS Certificate,  your public liability Insurance certificate, and a current first aid certificate.    If you are working with a co teacher or assistant, they will also need to provide this evidence.  It is the responsibility of the main teacher/owner to ensure that they have seen this evidence,  and that it is recorded correctly, along with any other relevant  information and qualifications required.  They should also have a clear outline of their roles and responsibilities provided by the teacher/owner while assisting or covering any classes.

DBS CERTIFICATE

A DBS check (formerly known as CRB check) is a type of background check which confirms an applicant’s criminal record, and by extension, their suitability for working with children and/or vulnerable adults.   You will definitely be required to show proof of this certificate to the school, sports facility, association or parents of the children.  Your place of work may apply for a DBS Check on your behalf, but if not you can apply yourself to https://www.onlinedbschecks.co.uk/apply-for-basic-dbs-check/

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

Insurance is something that you definitely don’t want to forget about.  It can be the difference between you having a long and successful career, or falling at the first hurdle.  Insurance will protect you against instances where clients get injured and make claims against you, but also if equipment gets damaged or if you yourself get injured or become ill and are unable to work.  It just is not worth the risk to hope things will be okay.  You will also be seen as professional and trustworthy and that you take your job seriously.  Fit-pro offer a range of children’s insurances and you can find them  at https://www.fitpro.com/insurance/addon-insurance.cfm.

SAFEGUARDING

Having a  basic understanding of safeguarding and protecting children applies to all staff and volunteers working in sport and physical activity where they have the potential to provide instruction, supervised or unsupervised to children.  For example coaching assistants, coaches, gym instructors, Pilates teachers and so on.  Every group or organisation has a duty to safeguard children and young people in their care. This includes making sure that all children who attend your events and activities are kept safe, whether they are regular or one-off.

Every organisation that works with children needs to have a safeguarding and child protection policy statement, which sets their commitment to protecting children from harm. If you are working for a school you should make sure you familiarise yourself with them.   

These include:

In addition to an overarching policy statement, any organisation working with children should have a set of detailed policies and procedures which explain the steps adults within their organisation must take to keep children safe.  If you are working independently, this link provides details of how to write your own safeguarding policy if needed:  https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/writing-a-safeguarding-policy-statement

You must make sure all adults and children are aware of, understand and can access your safeguarding policies.  

Refer to your manual for a recommended link that gives you access to a  Free Level 2 Safeguarding Certificate. On completion of this course you will be able to download your certificate. 

 

FIRST AID CERTIFICATE

Why is it important to learn first aid?

Learning first aid gives you the skills and confidence you need to act in a first aid situation. When we think of first aid we often associate it with significant injuries or illnesses such as heart attacks and severe bleeding, but first aid is much more than that. In many situations, a child may just need comforting and reassuring, but there are times when you may need to administer first aid or even call for an ambulance as the injury or illness is more serious. Being able to make these judgement calls and give immediate medical attention when needed all ensure the best outcome for the child.

Some situations are more serious and being able to act quickly can be the difference between life and death. Many in the childcare sector will have heard harrowing stories about children in nurseries and childcare settings choking, some with devastating outcomes. And whilst this is a very real risk, and the measures put in place such as cutting food up smaller and supervising all do reduce the risk, choking and other serious situations do still happen and immediate first aid intervention is critical.

Although, preventing the accident is everyone’s intention, knowing how to help if a child has a head injury from falling over, a burn from a hot drink, something stuck up their nose or has a febrile seizure as they became too hot is hugely reassuring to both parents and staff alike. By learning paediatric first aid you will develop the skills needed to help a child who becomes ill or who is injured in your care.

However, the responsibilities of a paediatric first aider go further than simply giving first aid in an emergency however, and may also include record keeping, administering medication in some situations and communicating with parents to ensure any follow up observation or care is provided, e.g. monitoring them after a minor head injury.

What Paediatric First Aid training do I need to have?

The Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework, specifies Paediatric First Aid training must be completed over a 2 day duration and must cover a standardised syllabus.

In addition to this, the Health and Safety (first aid) regulations 1981 also requires employers to complete a first aid needs assessment. This assessment ensures that any specific considerations for the work, environment, and people within it, are accounted for in your first aid provision. It ensures that appropriate training and equipment is available to cover the type of incidents that may be faced, for example if you have a child who has a medical condition you may need to ensure training includes skills specific to this.  Follow the links to find out more about the EYF Statutory Framework, First aid training, H&S Regulations 1981 and first aid needs assessment.