What can i do now??

[flipflop20]

Hi, I am new here and have been following threads for a couple of days.

I've booked myself onto the pre registration and training course run by the LA for March. But I am wondering if there's anything else I could get on and do prior to attending the course. I've looked at First aid courses but the info I have just says an approved 12hr courses, St Johns Ambulance run a course which I would assume is ok, does anyone know for sure?

I've just looked at the grant as well and that says you have to book the first aid before applying.

Also, I am 99% sure I read somewhere you have to do a child protection course. But I can't find anymore info on this.

I'm really excited about this new challenge but also quite nervous.

Thanks

[JCrakers]

The first Aid course has to be an approved Paediatric course. Your LA will be able to tell you if its the correct one (I think)
A safeguarding course needs to be completed and renewed every 3yrs like the first Aid course....I did my second one online but that's because I was minding and there were not any at suitable times for me. The online one was good but theres no one to ask it you have any questions.

I had to have a medical at the doctors...not 100% sure if this is still on the criteria, anyone who is newer than me will know.

[kellyskidz!]

Unless its changed since I started you have to complete the local pre reg training, safeguarding course, a cypop5 course (I did mine online) get a medical consent form from docs, police check for you and anyone in your home over 16 and a first aid certif (st johns is fine, I did mine with them a few years ago)
Good luck with everything, it really is the best job in the world

[bunyip]

Go through everything with your LA, and don't assume any course will be approved without their specific advice.

MY paed first aider trainer said he did exactly the same 12-hour LA-approved course content as a 6-hour freebie at children's centres, but the LA wouldn't sanction that, even though trainees came out with exactly the same knowledge (just 6-hours less waffle .)

Similarly, I once met a former paramedic who still had to do the LA-approved course before registering, despite her knowledge being a million miles beyond the paed FA requirements.

[flipflop20]

Thanks for your help. I emailed the LA and they have phoned up and given me details on the first aid and child protection courses. They were really helpful

Looking forward to starting it all now. Start the pre-reg session and training on 4th march. Would like to get the other training done by end of march so I can get the application in

Thank you all

[Vikki5531]

Hi, I'm currently into my third week of my pre-reg course (I had to wait 5 months before I could get on the course!).

Our LA has helped us with arranging the First Aid Course with St Johns ambulance (£55) and has arranged the Safeguarding Course (free).

My advice would be to download the EYFS, Development Matters, Early Years Outcomes and the Two Year Progress Check and have a good read of these documents before your course starts to get a heads up!

I'm really enjoying the course and there is so much to learn!

Good luck with yours xx

[flipflop20]

Thanks Vikki, I've had a quick look at them, I need to print them. I read like that better on paper so I can write notes - blinking printers broke though

Thanks for all your help, good luck with ur course I can't wait to start mine

[misskft]

Hiya if you need a new dbs check id get on with that asap. If I had know mine would take as long as it did I would have applied sooner. Have you any pacey run childminding groups in your area? My pacey contact has helped loads also your area may have a buddy scheme where you are paired up with someone locally who is an experienced minder. Get as much info as possible from experienced people.