First Aid course for babysitters

Teenage babysitters across Herefordshire are being offered the chance to turn professional thanks to a new qualification which could net them more pocket money and save lives.

 

Dozens of youngsters have already passed the popular British Red Cross Babysitting Course, run by Herefordshire Council’s Youth Service in partnership with the British Red Cross.

 

The qualification, which covers basic first aid skills, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and baby tantrums, has already been successfully launched at schools across the county including Weobley, South Wye and Hereford.

 

Now a new course is being planned for Hereford in July. No date or venue has been confirmed at this stage but youngsters are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.

 

Herefordshire Council’s Youth Service Area Worker, Ann Hyde, said: “More and more parents want babysitters who have this qualification because it offers them peace of mind.

 

“It is every parents’ nightmare to have their child involved in an accident while they are away from the home.

 

“This qualification teaches young people how to deal with first aid situations, emergencies, babysitters’ roles and responsibilities and baby tantrums.

 

“As well as giving parents peace of mind, it also offers young people the opportunity to learn new life-saving skills.

 

“They realise the fact that they can use this course to learn a new skill, which not only makes them more appealing to parents looking for babysitters but also opens other doors for them as well.

 

“It is a 30-hour course which covers various topics including expectations, rights and responsibilities, accident prevention, fire safety, looking after babies and children, First Aid and dealing with challenging babysitting situations.

British Red Cross Service Manager for Schools and Community Education, Vicky Gatley, added: “We are delighted that there has been so much enthusiasm for the Babysitting Course which encourages young people in developing their skills in looking after children and babies.”

 

For more details contact Ann Hyde, Herefordshire Council Youth Service Area Officer, on (01432) 341011.