Level 3 Paediatric First Aid at Bowburn Primary School
We recently delivered a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid blended learning course at Bowburn Primary School in Durham, bringing together six members of staff from across the school and nursery setting.
The group included a reception first aider, teachers, a nursery nurse, a baby room nursery nurse and an apprentice nursery nurse completing her very first first aid qualification. It was a brilliant day of practical learning, discussion and skill development, with everyone fully engaged and leaving the session feeling confident and reassured.
Why Paediatric First Aid Matters in Schools and Nurseries
When you work with children, particularly infants and early years, first aid is not just a qualification requirement. It is a daily responsibility.
Children explore, climb, run and test boundaries. They can become unwell quickly and they may not always be able to explain what is wrong. That is why Paediatric First Aid training is so important. Our course meets EYFS and HSE requirements, ensuring staff are compliant while also being genuinely prepared to respond.
The Blended Learning Approach
The blended format allows learners to complete the theory element online before attending the face-to-face practical session. This means the classroom day can focus on discussion, repetition and hands-on skills rather than reading slides.
Before attending, learners had already covered topics such as roles and responsibilities of a paediatric first aider, incident and casualty assessment, infection control and documentation, shock and hypoxia, asthma, diabetes, seizures, meningitis and sepsis, burns, fractures, head injuries and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.
The practical day builds on that knowledge and turns it into confidence.
Hands-On Practical Training
Throughout the session at Bowburn Primary School, learners completed practical assessments and repeated skills until they felt fully comfortable.
Infant and child CPR formed a key part of the day. Learners practised correct compression depth and rate, effective rescue breaths, safe use of an AED and management of an unconscious infant or child. We discussed how quickly a child can deteriorate and the importance of calm, structured action.
Anaphylaxis training was a major focus of the practical element. In schools and nurseries, allergic reactions can escalate rapidly from mild symptoms to life-threatening airway compromise within minutes. We worked through recognising early signs of an allergic reaction, identifying when it becomes anaphylaxis, correct positioning of the child, administering an adrenaline auto-injector and preparing for emergency services.
Using training devices, learners physically practised the administration technique and worked through realistic nursery and classroom scenarios. For many, this was one of the most valuable parts of the day, understanding that quick and confident action can make a life-saving difference.
The course also covered infant and child choking techniques, external bleeding and shock, head, neck and spinal injury management, and fractures, sprains and strains. Staff discussed playground incidents, classroom injuries and nursery-specific risks, applying the techniques directly to their own environment.
A Relaxed but Focused Learning Environment
The atmosphere in the room was positive, supportive and interactive. We encourage questions, shared experience and open discussion because that is how learning connects and stays memorable.
Feedback from the day reflected this approach.
“Adam was knowledgeable and approachable. I felt at ease and comfortable to ask questions and share experiences. Would 100% recommend to others.” – Sarah
“Engaging course and good real life examples. Encouraged to think through the scenarios.” – Deborah
“Brilliant trainer, Adam was very friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed the course.” – Steph
“Very knowledgeable, friendly trainer. Unlike previous courses, it really kept my attention. I came out feeling confident in giving first aid.” – Rachael
“I felt very engaged and very comfortable in this course. Very much enjoyed the humour in the room.” – Ellie
“Great and interesting training delivered with fun, not boring or draining.” – Larraine
All six learners successfully completed the qualification, including the apprentice undertaking first aid training for the first time.
Paediatric First Aid Training in Durham
Delivering this course at Bowburn Primary School showed again how important it is for school and nursery staff to feel confident, not just compliant.
Whether responding to a choking infant, a playground fall or a severe allergic reaction, the right training makes all the difference. If your school or nursery requires EYFS-compliant Paediatric First Aid training in Durham or across the North East, contact us to discuss blended or onsite options tailored to your team.
We can come to you with on-site training, you can also send you staff on our open courses in Durham. or book our training centre in South Shields.
Contact us to learn more and book the first aid training you need.
