Baby-sitters turn professional

Teenage baby-sitters in Ross-on-Wye have turned professional thanks to a new qualification which could net them more pocket money.

Thirty nine youngsters have taken part in the British Red Cross Baby-sitting Course, run at John Kyrle High School, Ross.

The qualification, a partnership between Herefordshire Council’s Youth Service, the British Red Cross and the high school, is aimed at  young people aged over 14.
 
The certificate covers basic first aid skills, the rights, roles and responsibilities of the baby-sitter and the families, dealing with fire and other emergency situations, accident prevention, childhood illnesses, family matters, child protection and baby care.

Herefordshire Council’s Senior Youth Worker, Andrea Robb, said: “More and more parents want baby-sitters 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, accidents and emergencies. It also gives them an understanding of what their rights, roles and responsibilities are when employed as a baby-sitter.

“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 baby-sitters 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 baby-sitting situations.”

A new course has been launched at John Kyrle High School this week (Feb 26). About 12 youngsters have signed up.
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For more details on the course contact Andrea Robb on (01432) 383374.