The Isle of Wight is leading the way with first aid training in schools with Newport-based company Wave Training teaching students this life saving skill in an after school club and as part of the curriculum.
First aid training has been well received as part of the enrichment programme at The Island Learning Centre, Hunnyhill and Nine Acres Primary School in Newport, as well as part of the school day at Nine Acres and at Queensgate Foundation Primary in East Cowes.
Beth Dyer, Headteacher of Nine Acres Primary, talks about the value of learning Fist Aid:
“Nine Acres Primary School prides itself on developing children to be responsible and caring citizens of the community. We are so excited to be the first to be part of this programme and working closely with Wave Training. Together, we are preparing the children for the world around them.”
Wave Training has gone on to roll First Aid out across the entire Years 4&5 at Queensgate Foundation Primary. Headteacher Sam Sillito embraces the value of learning this valuable skill:
“We are delighted that we have the opportunity to train all our Year 4 and Year 5 children in First Aid. It is a really important life skill that supports the science and PSHE curriculum. With 120 children trained in First Aid we will never be short of First Aiders at Queensgate!”
James Westcott, CEO of Wave Training Ltd launched the company in order to make First Aid learning possible for all ages, in all circumstances. James said:
“I believe that everyone should be able to access First Aid training, having the knowledge of Basic First Aid enables so many lives to be saved. I am so proud to be involved in this exciting project. The island is leading the way for parliament to roll first aid out in schools across the country”.
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Despite the efforts of MP Teresa Pearce, First Aid is still not mandatory in schools. Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, believes that “Schools should be encouraged and supported in teaching vital skills such as First Aid, but forcing them to do so in law is not the best way to achieve this”.
As well as local schools, Wave Training has delivered courses to other organisations including Shanklin Youth Club. Wave Training is currently planning Family Learning First Aid at Nine Acres Primary School.
For further information including a list of all the courses on offer visit www.wave-training.co.uk.
Featured image: lcs9/Freeimages
