Blended paediatric first aid training combines online learning with face-to-face practical training, allowing learners to complete much of the underpinning knowledge before attending the classroom to practise and demonstrate their first aid skills.

At First Aid and Safety Training, our Level 3 Paediatric First Aid blended course consists of 6 hours of e-learning followed by one face-to-face practical training day.

It leads to a regulated Paediatric First Aid qualification awarded through Qualsafe Awards and can provide the paediatric first aid training required for people working within early years settings.

But what actually happens during each part of the course, and what should learners expect?

What Is Blended Paediatric First Aid Training?

Instead of completing all of the learning in a classroom, a blended course divides the qualification between online and face-to-face learning.

The online element covers knowledge that learners can study independently.

The classroom element then concentrates heavily on practical skills, scenarios, discussion and assessment.

This is different from an online-only first aid course.

Paediatric First Aid requires practical skills to be taught and assessed face to face. You therefore cannot complete the full regulated qualification simply by watching videos or completing online modules.

We’ve explained this distinction further in our guide to online and blended Paediatric First Aid courses.

How Long Does Blended Paediatric First Aid Training Take?

Our current Qualsafe Level 3 Paediatric First Aid blended course consists of:

6 hours of e-learning

followed by:

one face-to-face practical training day.

The online learning needs to be completed before attending the practical session.

This structure allows learners to work through much of the underpinning knowledge before they arrive, leaving the classroom session focused on applying that knowledge and developing practical competence.

If course duration is your main question, our separate guide explains how long Paediatric First Aid training takes.

What Do You Learn Online?

The e-learning element provides a broad foundation in paediatric first aid.

Subjects include casualty assessment and a range of injuries, illnesses and medical emergencies that somebody caring for babies and children may encounter.

Assessing a Casualty

Learners develop their understanding of areas including:

the role and responsibilities of a paediatric first aider
casualty assessment
the primary survey
hypoxia
shock
when additional help is required

Childhood Illnesses and Medical Emergencies

The online learning also covers medical conditions and emergencies including:

asthma
diabetes
seizures
febrile convulsions
meningitis
sepsis
allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
poisoning

Recognising that something is wrong is an important part of paediatric first aid.

Learners need to understand what they are looking for as well as what actions they should take.

Injuries Affecting Babies and Children

Other subjects covered during the course include:

burns
fractures
head injuries
spinal injuries
minor injuries

Completing this knowledge-based learning before the classroom session means learners arrive with an understanding that can then be developed through practical activities and discussion.

For a broader overview of the qualification, read what Paediatric First Aid training covers.

What Happens During the Face-to-Face Day?

The classroom day is where blended paediatric first aid training becomes particularly practical.

Rather than spending most of the session listening to theory that could have been completed beforehand, learners can concentrate on physically performing first aid techniques.

Practical areas include:

infant CPR
child CPR
using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
managing an unconscious infant or child
infant choking
child choking
external bleeding and shock
anaphylaxis
fractures
head, neck and spinal injuries

Learners see techniques demonstrated before practising them themselves.

The trainer can then observe what they are doing, provide feedback and give them opportunities to repeat techniques.

That face-to-face interaction is something an online course cannot reproduce.

Infant and Child CPR

CPR is one of the clearest examples of why a practical session is required.

Knowing the sequence isn’t the same as physically performing CPR.

During training, learners practise resuscitation techniques appropriate to infants and children using training manikins.

This gives them experience of positioning, chest compressions, rescue breaths and integrating an AED into the response where appropriate.

Repeated practice also allows the trainer to identify and correct problems with technique.

Practising Choking First Aid

Choking is another skill that needs practical training.

The techniques used for an infant differ from those used for an older child, so learners need opportunities to practise the appropriate actions.

Training equipment allows these techniques to be developed in a controlled environment before somebody ever needs to use them during a genuine emergency.

Anaphylaxis and Other Paediatric Emergencies

The practical day isn’t limited to CPR and choking.

Learners also develop their response to other serious emergencies, including anaphylaxis, bleeding, shock and significant injuries.

For people working in nurseries, schools and childcare environments, these discussions can be related to situations they might realistically encounter while caring for children.

Does Blended Paediatric First Aid Meet EYFS Requirements?

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework includes specific requirements relating to paediatric first aid provision within early years settings.

A suitable full Paediatric First Aid qualification can form part of a setting’s arrangements for meeting those requirements.

However, it is important not to confuse EYFS requirements with an employer’s separate responsibilities for workplace first aid.

Schools, nurseries and other childcare organisations may need to consider both the first aid needs of the children in their care and their responsibilities towards employees.

The correct provision therefore depends on the setting, staffing arrangements and first aid needs assessment rather than simply choosing one qualification and assuming it covers every legal responsibility.

How Is the Qualification Assessed?

Assessment isn’t confined to remembering information from the e-learning.

Learners must also demonstrate that they can perform the required practical first aid skills.

This is another reason why a legitimate regulated Paediatric First Aid qualification cannot simply be completed online.

Practical assessment gives the trainer an opportunity to confirm that learners can apply the techniques rather than only describe them.

Why Choose Blended Learning?

For many childcare organisations, blended paediatric first aid training offers a practical alternative to completing all of the learning in a classroom.

The benefits can include:

completing knowledge-based learning before attending
reducing the amount of classroom time required
allowing the face-to-face session to concentrate on practical skills
giving learners time to work through theory independently
retaining practical trainer-led instruction and assessment

It can be particularly useful when an organisation needs to minimise the amount of time employees spend away from their normal duties.

Blended learning doesn’t remove the practical element of Paediatric First Aid. It reorganises the learning so that appropriate theory is completed online and valuable classroom time can concentrate on developing practical ability.

Who Is Blended Paediatric First Aid Training For?

The qualification may be appropriate for people working in settings including:

nurseries
preschools
early years settings
schools
wraparound childcare
childminding
holiday and activity provision
other roles involving responsibility for babies and children

The appropriate qualification will depend on the person’s role and the requirements of their setting.

If you’re unsure whether you need the full qualification or another form of training, we can help you identify the appropriate option.

Book Blended Paediatric First Aid Training

First Aid and Safety Training delivers Level 3 Paediatric First Aid courses using a blended format of e-learning followed by practical face-to-face training.

We can provide training for organisations at their own premises, while individuals and smaller numbers of staff can attend suitable open courses.

You can also read about how long a Paediatric First Aid certificate remains valid if you’re planning renewal training.

For group training, visit our onsite first aid training section or contact First Aid and Safety Training to discuss your setting, staff numbers and training requirements.