§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) if he will amend the OFSTED requirements of the first aid training standard for pre-school and nursery settings to ensure that there is a paediatric component in first aid courses; [136600]
(2) if he will set out for each setting inspected by OFSTED (a) the published standard for first aid training,(b) the length of training required and (c) the areas to be covered by the training. [136602]
§ Margaret HodgeOfsted registers and inspects pre-schools, day nurseries and childminders having regard to national standards set by the Department for Education and Skills. Revised national standards for under eights day care and childminding came into force in September 2003. For pre-school and nursery settings the standards specify that there is at least one member of staff with a current first aid training certificate on the premises or on outings at any one time, and that the first aid qualification includes training in first aid for infants and young children. The revisions make it clear that this training has to be consistent with any guidance issued by the Secretary of State to local authorities, who are responsible for making training available to settings.
80WWe will issue guidance shortly, and this will include advice on the length of training and areas to be covered.