Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what provisions are made for the training of staff in first aid in primary and secondary schools.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonAttention is given to first aid in many teacher training courses, particularly in those for intending teachers of physical education, home economics and practical subjects. It is, however, for local education authorities to see that first aid arrangements in their schools are adequate and, if necessary, to arrange supplementary courses in first aid either directly or through voluntary organisations. My Department offers guidance to local education authorities and the schools on safety matters through a series of safety publications which recommend that all teachers should have a simple working knowledge of first aid so that they can readily recognise when medical attention is necessary; that there should be teachers on the staff of every school who have a first aid qualification; and that fully equipped first aid kits should be provided in accessible places and overhauled periodically.