Improving first aid training in schools

First aid learning will be added to the WA school curriculum, with expanded training for staff working in public schools.

Public schools are required to provide first aid in the workplace, develop a first aid plan and ensure a suitable number of staff members are trained in first aid. However, schools have raised the issue of cost and administration of first aid training as potential barriers to maximising staff access to first aid courses.

The state government’s new approach to first aid in public schools, to be introduced in Term 1 next year, includes two significant changes that will improve current practices.

From 2023, staff registration and first aid training costs will be funded centrally by the Department of Education, rather than schools being required to fund first aid training for staff members using their allocated school budget.

Schools will also have access to contracted first aid training providers that meet state government procurement requirements, rather than having to source their own training provider.

These changes will deliver a simpler process for all public schools and ensure a suitable number of staff are trained in providing first aid. Resources have also been developed to support schools with the implementation of effective first aid practices.

To further support first aid competency in the community, the Western Australian Pre-primary to Year 10 Health and Physical Education Curriculum will be updated to include examples of teaching principles of first aid to school students.

“First aid training is invaluable — not only for individual staff members, but for the entire student population and school community,” said Sue Ellery, Education and Training Minister.

“It is crucial that there are staff who feel confident in responding to any accident or emergency that may occur at school, and to help, we are making first aid training more accessible.

“From next year, schools won’t have to fund first aid training from their own budgets, and they will be able to easily select a trusted provider.

“This will give parents and carers extra comfort that there will be staff on hand to assist if their child should need first aid while they are at school.

“You never know when you might need to administer first aid, so getting students familiar with it while they are at school will no doubt serve them well at school, in the home and when they are out in the community.”

Consultation on the proposed changes to the curriculum will be undertaken by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority during Term 4, 2022.

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