By its very nature, first aid training is a hands-on experience. Having the opportunity to practice the skills being taught is so important. Not only does it instil muscle memory, which kicks in when faced with high panic emergency situations. It ensures that learners not only understand the theory but are also prepared to apply their knowledge effectively when it matters most.
But, on the flip side, e-learning can be a valuable alternative, especially for those balancing busy work schedules or parents who find it challenging to attend in-person sessions. E-learning allows individuals to master the theoretical aspects of first aid at their own pace, accommodating different learning styles – not everyone learns best in a classroom! It’s not just a matter of convenience; for some, this flexible approach can lead to better understanding and retention of knowledge.
E-learning for schools, nurseries and paediatrics
For some workplaces, there are certain courses that are necessary to cover the required safety regulations, especially in the early years environment. Childcare settings such as schools, nurseries, childminders and pre-schools need a Paediatric First Aid qualification to meet the requirements set out by Ofsted and the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. These courses need to be thorough and so take longer to complete. Combining this with e-learning allows staff to take less time out of the workplace, learning the theory online and then completing face-to-face training to learn those all-important hands-on skills.
Not only is blended learning a convenient concept for busy workplaces, it gives students the opportunity to learn using a variety of teaching methods. A good online programme should use a combination of videos, quizzes, visuals and information to engage the learner and keep the subject matter interesting. Once in the classroom, students have the opportunity to discuss and analyse the learning they undertook online. They then get to put those skills into practice. This paired with good hands-on practical work provides a well-rounded and thorough teaching of that all-important first aid knowledge.
E-learning for parents and families
There is also a place for e-learning in delivering less formal first aid training. Family first aid training is invaluable for parents and carers, but getting to classes isn’t that easy for some, especially when little ones come along! Some people just prefer to self-learn, which is where an online course such as Family First Aid can be an excellent resource to learn at home, at the learners’ own pace.
Blended practical learning and e-learning have become an essential and fundamental part of my training collateral within first aid training and it’s easy to see why, which is why I have been developing more of these online courses and made them available on my website.
E-learning courses available to book online today
You can now book an e-learning course on the workplace qualifications page. The courses currently available to book that are aimed at the early years settings are listed below:
- Family First Aid: A course of fundamentals aimed at families, created to give you the knowledge to help a baby, child or adult with both minor and major first aid incidents as well as giving advice on how to manage a range of common illnesses and conditions.
- First Aid for Parents: This engaging and interactive course has been created for parents, grandparents and anyone caring for babies and young children so that they can respond promptly and effectively to any first aid incident or emergency as well as advising on how to manage common childhood illnesses and conditions.
- Fire Safety for Early Years: This course is aimed at everyone working in Early Years settings including childminders and nursery staff.
- Safeguarding and Child Protection for Early Years (level 2): This Level 2 course is aimed at childcare practitioners working in Early Years settings including childminders and nursery staff.
- Chaperoning in Primary Care: This online course has been designed for non-clinical staff such as GP receptionists, who may be required to act as a chaperone and need some formal training.
If you have any questions regarding the course content or the learning framework please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling me on 01603 336329 or booking through my website form.
