Safety first

'Changes in guidance to the national standards for under-eights daycare and childminding in England (Standard 7: Health - First Aid) for full-day care, sessional care and out-of-school care indicate that settings should "think about what training staff require". The previous version of the standards said "settings should think about what training the designated member of staff requires". This change means settings now need to think more broadly about First Aid training for staff, rather than simply ensuring that one designated person is trained. 'In addition, on 15 January 2004 the Department for Education and Skills issued a set of criteria that training must meet to be regarded as appropriate. This can be read on its website at www.teachernet.gov.uk/LEAmailing. If you wish to use an independent First Aid trainer, you should ensure they are either approved under the Pre-school Learning Alliance and National Childminding Association approval scheme or meet the criteria set by the DfES' - Pat Barber, Pre-school Learning Alliance.