With the increase of serious accidents occurring in nurseries in Australia, several states have first aid requirements for people working with children. With around 1.5 million children enrolled in full-day care, it is important that those responsible for their safety are able to respond appropriately in the event of an emergency. First aid training can help nursery staff quickly assess and provide initial assistance to an emergency situation, which could potentially save a child’s life.
The Role of ACECQA
The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) is the national body responsible for regulating and quality assuring early childhood education and care and school-age care services in Australia. ACECQA plays a critical role in ensuring that children receive high-quality care and education by setting National Quality Standard (NQS) and maintaining the National Quality Framework (NQF).
ACECQA also provides valuable resources and support to the education and care sectors to help services meet the NQS and improve quality. In addition, ACECQA undertakes reviews of state and territory regulatory systems to ensure that they are operating effectively and supporting continuous quality improvement.
What is First Aid Training in the Education Sector?
First aid training in the education sector is a type of training that helps educators learn how to provide basic medical care to students. This is important for educators because it can help them be better prepared to deal with medical emergencies that might occur during the school day.
If you are looking for a first aid course at Cnr Ferry Rd and, Cotlew St E, Southport 4215, contact CPR First Aid for more information.
The Australian Setting
In Southport QLD, it is a legal requirement for all childcare workers to have a current first aid certificate. This includes employees of early childhood education and care services, as well as family daycare providers.
First aid training must be specific to the needs of children, as they can respond differently to treatment than adults. All staff members working in a childcare setting must be able to understand and implement first aid practices appropriate to infants, children and young people.
While the specific content of first aid courses may vary between states and territories, they all cover essential topics such as CPR, choking, bleeding, burns and breaks. Many also include training in the use of defibrillators as well as basic life support for someone who is unresponsive and not breathing.
When to Renew Your First Aid Certification?
Childcare workers must have a current first aid certificate at all times while they are working. First aid qualifications need to be renewed every three years or annually, and it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that staff members are up to date with their training.
Common Southport Nursery School Injuries
There are a number of common injuries that children can sustain whilst attending nursery school in Australia. These include:
- Cuts and grazes from falling over or playing on rough surfaces
- Bumps and bruises from collisions with other children or objects
- Sprains and strains from overexertion or incorrect lifting techniques
- Head injuries from falling or being hit by objects
Jobs Needing First Aid Qualification
There are a number of different jobs in the education sector in Southport that require first aid training. These include:
- Teachers
- School support staff
- Early childhood educators
- Youth workers
- Out-of-school hours care providers
Each of these roles has different first aid requirements, depending on the age group of the students they are working with.
ACECQA Guidelines for Educator First Aid Training and Qualification
In terms of first aid certifications, anaphylaxis management training, and emergency asthma management training, the National Regulations specify the necessary standards for services.
For Centre-based services,
The Australian centre-based services for children are those that offer group-based care and instruction to young children (0–5). These services can be provided in a variety of settings, including childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools, and long daycare centres. They may also be known as early childhood education and care services.
According to ACECQA, the approved centre-based service provider shall ensure that the following qualified individuals are present at all times at any location where children are being educated and cared for by the service and are readily accessible in the event of an emergency:
- a minimum of one employee or designated supervisor who is certified in first aid currently works for the service.
- a minimum of one employee or designated supervisor who has completed the most recent, approved anaphylaxis management training
- a minimum of one employee or designated supervisor who has completed the most recent, approved training in emergency asthma management.
Services must always have staff on duty who are qualified and immediately accessible in case of an emergency. One staff member may hold one or more of the qualifications.
For School-based services
School-based services for children in Australia are designed to support the educational, developmental and health needs of children. These services include school health services, school counselling services, and school-based intervention programs.
The following qualified personnel must be present at the school site and readily available in an emergency if children are being educated and cared for at service facilities on its grounds:
- a minimum of one employee or designated supervisor who is certified in first aid currently works for the service.
- a minimum of one employee or designated supervisor who has completed the most recent approved anaphylaxis management training
- at least one staff member or one nominated supervisor of the service who has undertaken current approved emergency asthma management training.
One staff member may hold one or more of the qualifications.
For Family Day Care services
Family day care services provide care and education for children in a home environment. These services are usually run by a single operator who is registered with the relevant state or territory authority.
The family day care service’s authorized provider shall make sure that each family day care educator and family day care educator assistant employed by or registered with the service:
- has a valid, approved current first aid certification.
- has completed recent, recognized training in anaphylaxis management
- and has completed training in the latest, approved emergency asthma management.
Each educator and educator assistant working in a family daycare centre must possess all three qualifications.
Benefits of First Aid Training at School
A nursery school setting can benefit greatly from first aid in a variety of ways. Here are some examples:
- If a child falls and injures themselves, first aid can be used to clean and dress the wound.
- If a child is choking, first aid can be used to clear their airway and help them breathe.
- If a child has a seizure, first aid can be used to keep them safe and prevent further injury.
- If a child is experiencing an allergic reaction, first aid can be used to provide relief and seek medical assistance if necessary.
- First aid can also be used for more minor complaints such as bumps, bruises and scrapes.
Having a first aid kit in the nursery school and knowing how to use it can help to ensure the safety of all the children in your care.
What Southport First Aid Courses Can I Take?
Enrol in 
HLTAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting if you need a first aid certification to work in the childcare and education sectors and want to learn about anaphylaxis and asthma.
CPR First Aid (RTO 21903) offers compliant and accredited CPR and first aid courses in Southport and many more locations across Australia. Send us your enquiry and we’ll assist you from start to finish.
