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How to become an assessor for vocational skills
Blog written by Maxine Lock from Peritia Training who deliver courses for Training, Assessing and Internal Quality Assurance Qualifications.
This blog looks at the requirements for the following qualifications:
Do you work or do you plan to work as an assessor? If so this blog is for you. As you read you will learn about the various assessor qualifications that you can do and the options available for completing them. If you work as an assessor you may assess learners in their work place to see if they are occupationally competent or you may assess learners in other environments such as training centres or workshops to ensure that their vocational skills meet a set of assessment criteria. Assessors may also be the trainer and so support a learner right through their qualification. Assessors can work for a training organisation, a college or may be employed on a freelance basis.
Before becoming an assessor however, you need to decide your subject area and make sure you are considered occupationally competent in the area you intend to assess. For example I would not be able to assess a hairdressing qualification as the only experience I have in this area is giving my partner a once over with a set of clippers. The occupational competence required will be defined by the qualification specification of the subject that you plan to assess.
To become an assessor you will usually need to hold one of the assessor awards or certificate mentioned at the start of this blog. There are a number of different pathways that you can take depending on what you assess, how those assessments are done, where you assess people and the requirements of the qualification being assessed.
For all the pathways you will start with Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment - this is one unit which covers the theory of assessment. To complete this unit you will need to undertake some learning and then complete either a written assignment or a series of professional discussions in order to demonstrate and evidence your understanding.
This unit on its own does not allow you to assess learners. To do this you will need to complete one or more additional units. The additional units you need to take will depend on what you are assessing, or plan to assess.
Assess Occupational Competence in the Work Environment
If you assess people in their place of work to determine that they are competent to do a job then this is the next unit to complete. To do this you will need to develop a portfolio of evidence which shows that you can plan and carry out assessments of occupational competence. You will need to demonstrate that you can observe performance in the work environment and make appropriate judgements of their competence against the required standards. You will also examine products of work and again determine that they meet the standard expected by their workplace. Questioning the learner is another assessment method that you will use and need to provide evidence for. This evidence can be obtained by your assessor observing you undertaking assessments, having your assessor examine your products of work and through your assessor questioning you and recording your responses.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
In addition to this you will also need to provide evidence that you have used the following assessment methods: discussions with the learner, use of others (witness testimony), looking at learner statements and recognising prior learning.
For this unit you will need to complete a minimum of two assessments of two learners occupational competence, this means four assessments in total.
Assess Vocational Knowledge and Understanding
If you assess people's vocational skills in a non-work environment such as a workshop, a classroom or a training centre environment, then this will be the next unit for you to complete. As with the unit for assessing occupational competence you will need to provide a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates your ability to plan and carry out assessments. You will have to provide performance evidence for at least three of the following assessment methods: assessments of the learner in simulated environments, skills tests, oral and written questions, assignments, projects, case studies and recognising prior learning. The rest can be assessed using other forms of evidence. The performance evidence will be assessed by your assessor observing you carrying out assessments of learners and giving feedback. In addition to this your assessor will look at your products of work such as assessment plans and assessment reports. They will also ask questions or conduct a professional discussion where you can explain how you have carried out your role as an assessor.
To complete this unit and provide appropriate evidence you need to be able to carry out a minimum of two assessments of two learners skills, so this is four assessments in total.
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If you complete all 3 Units then you can achieve the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA). If you are just starting out in your career as an assessor I would recommend doing the full CAVA qualification to give you the best opportunities for gaining work.
So having decided what it is that you need to achieve you then need to find a course that will enable you to complete the required units.
There are a number of different ways to complete the assessor units including online, distance learning or classroom based.
For classroom based you might expect a week of theory sessions and then you will be supported to complete the assessments for the units that you are doing. This will include observations by your assessor of you carrying out assessments on your learners.
Online/ distance learning could also be similar to classroom based but the learning is delivered using an online classroom portal such as Zoom or Google classroom. You will usually be expected to log into the virtual classroom at a set time and the trainer will deliver the session. As with classroom learning it is usual for an assessor to actually visit you to complete observations for both unit 2 and unit 3.
For both of the above options you have the benefit of other learners to support and contribute to the learning environment. Chat rooms or forums can give support and help to answer questions about the course. Some people prefer this type of set up as it gives them a fixed schedule and helps to keep them on track. For some learners, however, the fixed timetable does not meet their needs or fit in with work or family.
A more flexible approach is to complete the course through an online platform, such as Moodle, where you log-in and work at your own pace. All the learning materials are accessed through the online platform and could include e-books, lessons, videos or audio. The written assessments can also be completed and submitted through the same platform. Guidance is given to enable learners to complete the portfolio of evidence. Observations can be done either face-to-face, where the assessor will meet with the learner and complete observations, examination of work products and have a professional discussion. Or the learner may provide video evidence of them carrying out assessments and then this is followed up by an online or phone discussion with their assessor.
How well this any of the above are done depends on the quality and working practices of the training centre delivering the course. As someone who works in both internal and external quality assurance I have seen variety of different approaches by training centres, some deliver just to meet the basic requirements, some are very sector specific and only work with learners in particular areas, while others are delivering and supporting learning and assessment through a variety of innovative ways. I would suggest that you seek recommendations from other learners, when choosing a course, but also consider which approach best suits you and your needs.
The approach taken by Peritia Training is to deliver online learning through Moodle. Learners can start at any time to suit them and then work through the learning at their own pace. Assessments are also submitted through Moodle so on completion of the course the learner has an e-portfolio to submit for moderation and then hopefully awarding of the qualification. We encourage each learner to take ownership of their assessor units. During the pre-course discussions the subject area of the learner is discussed so the assessor is aware of what the learner is going to be assessing. Our online courses are written so that as the learner works through the course materials they are constantly applying the content to their subject area. We find that this works really well for our learners, not only do they complete a qualification but they also fully understand how to apply assessment processes in their own work environment.
So once you have worked out which course is for you just click on Peritia Training and select the course you need. Hit the book now button and send us your contact details.
Time management for studying online courses
Have you just signed up to study a qualification online and are now struggling to find the time to complete it?
Time management is not really about managing time, it is actually about managing yourself. There are 24 hours in every day - it is up to you to choose how to use them.
Here are 5 tips to help you out.
In order to get the most out of these tips you will need to make use of a spreadsheet or any other document that helps you create lists and add data.
1.Know what you need to achieve and how it is to be achieved.
If you are studying for a qualification your course will have a set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Once you have a copy of this the best thing to do is create a spreadsheet for the qualification. Create a sheet for each unit of study. Note the learning outcomes for each unit and against each learning outcome note down the associated assessment criteria. For most qualifications each learning outcome will have one or more assessment criteria which need to be completed to pass the course.
Once you know what the assessment criteria are, you also need to know how to achieve them. For example is your course assessed through written assignments, submission of work products, observations by your assessor, witness statements, test papers, skills tests… Find out how you will be assessed and then you will know what you need to work towards. Add this information to your spreadsheet.
2. Prioritise the tasks
Note down any deadlines given by the course provider, these may need to be met or you will not pass the course. Also consider your own personal deadlines - if this is an online course that you complete at your own pace set a target date for completion. You could also set interim target dates for achieving set parts of the course.
Then decide which tasks need to be done first - put dates onto your spreadsheet
3. Focus on one task at a time - no more multi-tasking!
Research has shown that multi-tasking doesn't work. (Multi-tasking article)
To avoid the slowdown caused by trying to multitask try to avoid distractions when working on your course. Create a work space that allows you to concentrate on your tasks, this could be at home, in a coffee shop or in your camper van. Switch off your phone, turn off notifications on your computer and only have open the applications you need to study or write.
4. Structure your time
Research has also shown that it is best to focus for about 20 minutes at a time, set a timer so you can just concentrate on studying. Give yourself a little treat after each 20 minutes such as a 5 minute walk, order another coffee, or a 5 minute meditation - the only thing not to do is check your phone!
Think about the time of day that you find it easiest to study and to have time available around other work and family commitments. Maybe you could get up an hour earlier each day and fit in some study before everyone else gets up.
5. Track your achievements
When you have completed your period of study mark off what you have achieved on your spreadsheet. If you have completed an assignment and can submit it through an online portal then make sure it is uploaded and give yourself a big pat on the back!
I hope these tips work, if you have any other productivity ideas or tips please share them in the comments below.
7 essentials for delivering first aid courses
As a first aid trainer you will need to have suitable resources when delivering courses. Some of these are essential for the actual training whilst others make the session more comfortable for the learner. In this blog post I will set out the seven essentials that I always have when delivering Emergency First Aid at work qualifications. I am concentrating on the actual first aid resources here not training resources such as projectors etc., I will do that in another post.
1. Anti-bacterial hand gel. An absolute essential in the current COVID-19 climate. I buy squeezy bottles of these from my local supermarket. Make sure you get the ones with lid that can be firmly closed for travelling otherwise the gel will end up all over your other equipment.
2. Kneeling mats. Learners will need to be kneeling on the floor during the course for the practical scenarios. A kneeling mat gives that extra bit of comfort and protection for both you the trainer and also the learners. I buy garden kneelers from the garden centre or DIY store.
3. CPR mannequins. I use two different makes of mannequins depending on where I am delivering courses and how I am travelling there. Most of the time I use Laerdal Little Anne mannequins but if I am travelling into London by train I use Actar D-fib mannequins which fit into a rucksack. You will need at least 3 mannequins but I currently use one per candidate when at all possible. If learners have to share then I provide plastic face shields for additional protection.
You will also need to have antibacterial mannequin wipes for the learners to clean their mannequins before and after use.
Mannequins should be clothed so that the learners have to remove clothing in order to apply the AED pads. I use a selection of old T-shirts which are washed after each course. You could also use branded T-shirts.
4. AED training devices. I use AED trainers which I bought new from Ebay. You can also get mini trainers which are more cost effective when delivering training to a large group. The mini trainers are a little quiet when there is a lot of noise in a training room but good value for money. Again you will need at least 3 of these but aim to get 6 so that you can run scenarios in pairs.
5. Gloves. Nitrile gloves for learners to use. Some trainers encourage their use throughout the course. In the interests of waste I only have the learners actually put gloves on during the bleeding scenarios.
6. Bandages. At least 1 new clean medium sized dressing bandage per learner to use for the bleeding scenario assessment. I also add to this by providing alcohol free wipes and plasters so that we can have several different scenarios.
7. Storage. You will need to consider the best way to both store and transport all the above. Some trainers use lidded storage boxes or crates. I use a hard shell suitcase when using public transport so that I can get on and off trains quickly and easily. Most of the time I drive to courses in my van which has sufficient space for all my training resources and I store them in a ‘Really Useful’ Plastic box.
What would you consider ‘essential’ for delivering your first aid courses? Let me know in the comments.
Are you considering doing training to become a First Aid Trainer? You may need to complete the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. Click the Learn More button for more information.
How to complete your Level 4 IQA qualification
This blog has been written by Maxine Lock of Peritia Training, a company that delivers online training for the Training, Assessor and Quality Assurance (TAQA) suite of qualifications. The opinions expressed in this blog are my personal ones based on both completing and delivering the IQA qualification. Your own opinions and experience may differ. If you like, leave a comment at the end of the blog to let me know about your experience of the IQA qualification.
The Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice is the current (2020) recognised qualification for those who wish to carry out the role of IQA in training centres in the UK.
IQA Roles and Responsibilities
Becoming an IQA means taking on responsibility for monitoring the learner journey and the assessment process throughout the completion of a qualification, on behalf of a training centre. You could be employed by a single training organisation and be responsible for checking the work of a number of assessors also working for that training organisation. Or you could work on a freelance basis for a number of training centres who may employ one or more assessors.
To internally quality assure the assessment of a qualification, you will be expected to hold the same qualification or one in the same subject that is equivalent or higher. You may also need to be involved in the delivery and assessment of that qualification as you need to be able to demonstrate occupational competence. You will need to have full access to the qualification specification, IQA strategy, assessment criteria and assessment guidance for the course. You will also need to be conversant with the IQA policy and procedure of the training centre that you are working for.
IQA activity can involve desk based monitoring of assessment decisions such as those recorded on multiple choice question papers or through the submission of candidate portfolios of evidence. You may also observe the trainer/assessor in the delivery and assessment of a qualification. As you are monitoring assessment decisions in real time this can be a great opportunity for standardisation of assessment decisions. Some of the monitoring will be of interim assessments and this will take place during the course, this enables any issues to be sorted out before they become too much of a problem.
IQA can also be of summative assessments at the end of a course such as that done on candidate portfolios before they are sent to the awarding organisation.
Another part of the IQA role is to write reports and action plans to record what has been found and what needs to be done to improve the assessment of a qualification. A key responsibility of the IQA is to support the development of assessors. To do this they need to identify what the assessor does well and also identify any areas for improvement. The IQA will support this through leading standardisation and CPD events.
To maintain quality and compliance the IQA will also monitor the implementation of policies and procedures such as the Health and Safety policy, the Equality, diversity and inclusion policy and the General Data Protection Regulations.
IQA Qualification Structure
The Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice consists of 2 units:
Unit 1: Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment
Unit 2: Internally assure the quality of assessment
The units, learning outcomes and assessment criteria are the same regardless of which awarding organisation is used.
If you are working in a large organisation such as a college and have responsibility for a number of IQAs, you could also go on to complete a third unit: Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility
Unit 1 is a knowledge based unit and enables new and existing IQA's to understand the theory of the IQA process. It consists of 6 credits and 45 guided learning hours.
Unit 2 is a performance based unit also consisting of 6 credits and 45 guided learning hours. To complete this you will need access to two assessors to observe and to sample their assessment decisions. These assessors will each need to be assessing a qualification with at least 2 candidates. You do not have to be actually employed as an IQA to be able to do this but it must take place in a work environment. A simulated environment is not allowed. You could, however, undertake this role on a voluntary basis with a training centre in order to complete the IQA qualification.
The theory part of the course can be delivered through either a classroom or online based platform. The classroom and some online platforms (virtual learning environments, VLE's) will take place real time where a trainer delivers to a number of learners. For classroom based courses this will mean travel to a training venue for delivery of the theory content, these sessions could take place over the course of a week or could be one day or evening a week for a number of weeks. You will need to consider if the venue location is suitable for you as well as the timings of the course. This delivery method suits some people as it gives them a fixed timetable for learning. For those who work in a college or training centre then the course may even take place at their place of work and time may be allowed to attend the course as part of their professional development. To undertake the course through an online classroom you will need access to a laptop or computer that has a webcam. You will need a reliable internet connection and a quiet space to enable you to join the sessions without interruption. Again this gives the learner a fixed timetable for learning but without having to travel to a venue.
The other method of delivery is to use an online platform where the learner logs in and completes the learning in their own time. This usually involves the use of videos, e-books or other methods of delivering the knowledge for the course. The benefits of this for the learner are that they can be flexible and fit their learning around other commitments such as work and family. If delivered well the content will be clear and engaging and enable the learner to continue on and complete their assessments, also online.
Once the learner gets onto the second unit then their assessor will need to observe them carrying out the IQA process, monitoring the work of two assessors working with at least two learners who are undertaking a qualification. Part of this observation is of the candidate IQA giving feedback to the assessors and agreeing plans of action. Depending on the type of assessments being carried out these observations could take place face-to-face or maybe using a platform such as Skype or Zoom. Different training centres and awarding organisations will have their own views as to what constitutes acceptable evidence for Unit 2 but this is usually down to how flexible they are in their approach. Some of the larger training organisations are only set up for one way of working, this is in part how they manage to keep costs down. Generally the smaller organisations are able to be more flexible and can offer alternative ways of working to meet learners needs.
One question that I have been asked is - 'Does it matter if all the assessors I work with are marking work online?' The answer to this is it depends on the training centre and their awarding organisation some of whom specify that the assessor and the trainee IQA must be in the same location at the same time when observations are being carried out. For other awarding organisations they stipulate that evidence must include 'observation of performance' but does not state how, where and by whom that observation must be carried out. At the end of the day it is important that the evidence in the IQA candidate portfolio is valid, authentic and sufficient. So it is possible to complete the qualification if you IQA assessors who conduct online assessments. Your evidence can be provided through the use of Skype or Zoom type video calls which your IQA assessor can also be part of.
IQA Qualification Costs
If you have got this far you are probably starting to think, how much is all this going to cost?
The answer is dependent on what type of course you choose, classroom based or online. It will also vary according to the size and quality of the organisation delivering and assessing the course.
A quick Google search showed courses ranging from £400 to £900, most of these were completely online but some with a 1 day induction at the providers training venue. All written work for unit 1 was submitted online for all these training providers. For unit 2 most providers will assess the learner through a 1 day observation of IQA activity, examination of work products and professional discussion. Some, however, required the learner to supply a qualified IQA from within their own training organisation to conduct the observations of performance. This could be an issue if you do not already work for a training organisation.
How long will it take to complete the IQA qualification?
The guided learning hours for the Level 4 Award in IQA are 90, that is 45 for each unit. This includes tutor contact time (e-learning), observations, professional discussions and preparation of the portfolio. Some learners may exceed the GLH either because they need more time to study or because they choose to go more in depth with the study or preparation of their portfolio. There will also be some learners who take less time, this is usually because they are already working in the role of IQA and the assessor is able to recognise prior learning and experience.
When you sign up with a training organisation to do your course then they should inform you how long you have to complete. This is usually designated by the awarding organisation. From my Google search of providers I found that some did not specify a time on their website. Those that did ranged from 60 days (you could pay to extend this) to 12 months.
If you are completing a classroom based course then you will be subject to the timings of the sessions - you might want to bear that in mind if you wish to complete the course within a certain timeframe. If you are completing the course online then it is up to you how quickly you work through the course. If you are already working in the role or have a good understanding of what the role entails, and you have access to assessors within a training centre then it is possible to complete the course in 2-4 weeks. Having said that I find that most of my learners take 6 - 12 months and I think this is a more realistic time frame.
Ready to start your IQA Qualification?
So if you have read this blog and have decided to complete your IQA qualification what are the next steps?
Decide if you would like to study with others in a classroom based setting, (physical or online) or if you would prefer the more flexible online approach.
Contact providers (Google, Facebook forums, Word of mouth are all good ways of conducting an initial search) and find out what they offer. All providers will have a website from which you can gain at least basic information about them and the course.
If you have any specific needs or questions then ask the provider and see what their response is. This will give you an idea for how flexible their approach is and if it will meet your needs.
Look at the cost that each provider is charging for the course and check what it includes -is there an induction at a venue you have to get to, do you have to provide a qualified IQA to observe you for unit 2, does the cost include VAT?
What kind of feel do you get from the provider's website - do you think this is going to suit you and your needs. Some of the ones I looked at when researching this blog felt very corporate and impersonal - not what I would choose.
Make a choice, sign up and get started
For full details of the Level 4 IQA course offered by us at Peritia Training click the button below to go to the page on our website.
If you have found the information in this blog useful or want to let us know about your experiences please leave a comment below.
The Ultimate guide to becoming an IQA in education and training.
Are you considering the role of Internal Quality Assurer (IQA)? Have you been asked to conduct IQA for a training centre? Or maybe you are considering becoming a freelance IQA? If so this blog post is for you.
In this post I will outline the role of an IQA, how to become an IQA and gain the relevant qualifications and what completing the IQA qualification involves.
Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash
What is an IQA?
An IQA is a person (or a number of persons) employed to monitor the assessment process and practices of a training and assessment organisation. This can include the assessment of: a qualification, a programme of learning or workplace competence.
Internal quality assurance is the monitoring of the learner journey through the assessment process, ensuring that all parts have been assessed in accordance with the training centre policies and procedures, with the qualification specification and the assessment guidance from the Awarding Organisation and that all learners have received the same level of assessment regardless of other factors.
You can be employed to monitor the assessment of one subject across a number of centres or locations or to monitor all the courses within one centre. What you IQA will depend on your subject specialisms and areas of expertise.
Photo by Dylan Ferreira on Unsplash
What does an IQA do?
This will vary depending on the training organisation and the subject areas being assessed but in general the role could include:
Checking the qualifications and expertise of trainers and assessors
Monitoring the planning of assessments
Observations of assessors undertaking assessments
Discussions with candidates
Moderation of portfolio assessments
Desk reviews of assessor paperwork
Monitoring the implementation of policies and procedures
Leading or taking part in standardisation meetings with assessors
Leading or taking part in standardisation meetings with other IQA’s
Meeting with the EQA of the Awarding Organisation
Maintaining records of all IQA activity
Monitoring and supporting the development of assessors
Monitoring and supporting the development of other IQA’s
Taking part in the Appeals and/or complaints process for any disputes
Can I work as a freelance IQA?
Yes you can and many people do this as it works really well for small training centres who can’t afford to employ a full time IQA. Many centres will have one or two trainer/assessors and so making use of a freelance IQA can be very cost effective. An additional advantage is that as a freelancer you will get to see a number of different centres so may pick up good practice ideas that you can carry forward. You will need, however, to be careful about confidentiality and maintain a professional conduct between centres.
You can contact centres directly to offer your services or look on relevant forums on social media platforms such as Facebook. Once you have started work as a freelance IQA you may then find that you get word of mouth recommendations from others.
Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash
How do I become an IQA?
A commonly asked question is “What qualifications do I need to become an IQA?” and the answer is none! However to obtain work and to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to undertake the role it is widely suggested that an IQA holds the Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice.
More information about that below.
You also need to have occupational competence and relevant qualifications in the areas that you wish to IQA. For example to work as an IQA for First Aid qualifications I need to hold an in date First Aid at Work certificate, a teaching and assessing qualification and also the L4 IQA qualification. In addition I also need to be currently delivering and assessing courses myself. You will not be able to undertake proper IQA without having the necessary understanding of the assessments required for a particular qualification. This includes the required standard or level expected so that you are not under or over assessing. This means that I would not be able to be an IQA for a hairdressing qualification, for example, as my only experience is when I visit a hairdresser to get my own hair cut. I do not have any qualifications or occupational competence as a hairdresser.
What does the IQA qualification involve?
The current IQA qualification is the Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice which consists of 2 units.
There is also a Level 4 Certificate in Leading Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice which consists of 3 units. This would be the course to do if you are leading a team of IQA’s in a large training establishment.
The units are:
Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment
Internally assure the quality of assessment
Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility
The first unit is a knowledge based unit and this on its own does not give you the qualification to become an IQA. For this you will need to complete at least units 1 and 2.
You can choose to undertake this qualification in a number of different ways including a face-to-face course, distance learning through a virtual classroom such as Zoom or online learning using a platform such as Moodle where you log-in and study at your own pace and in your own time.
Assessment of the first unit is through written assignments which can be supplemented by professional discussion or question and answer with your assessor.
Assessment of the other units is through a combination of work products/evidence, observation by your assessor, professional discussion, witness statements and written statements.
To complete unit 2 you will need access to at least 2 assessors working with at least 2 learners to complete a qualification. Some training centres will provide these for you while others will expect you to supply this yourself. Even if you are not currently working for a training centre you will probably find that they would be happy for some free IQA so offer to go along and monitor a couple of assessors for them. A larger centre may also allow you to shadow an IQA so that you can really see what the role entails.
What next?
If you are still not sure about the role and whether it is for you, why not contact a local training centre, who deliver courses in your subject area, and arrange to go for an informal chat with their IQA.
Do your research on the requirements for your subject area. Do you have the necessary qualifications, subject knowledge and occupational competence in order to IQA the qualifications you are considering.
If possible look at the qualification specification from the relevant awarding organisations and make sure you can meet the IQA requirements.
Consider your options for completing the Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Process and Practice or the Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice.
Contact a number of training organisations and find out their prices and details for completing the course. Do check what you get for your money, sometimes the cheapest is not the best!
Here at Peritia Training we offer the Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice. All the learning and submission of portfolio evidence is done through the Moodle platform. You study online and at your own pace. An assessor will come to your place of work to conduct an observation or, under certain circumstances this can be done by video link.
Click the button below for more information and to book onto a course. Any questions just send an email and ask.
Forest School First Aid Course
Are you a Forest School Leader, an Outdoor Learning practitioner, a Countryside Ranger or a Teacher who leads outdoor learning sessions in the school grounds and beyond? If so then the two day Forest School first aid course is for you.
The forest school first aid course is designed specifically for those working in a Forest School or Outdoor Learning environment. You may be working in the school grounds, in a local woodland, in a park or a nature reserve. In these settings it may take a little while for emergency help to get to you so you will learn how to look after your casualty in the outdoors. You will develop knowledge, understanding and confidence in dealing with people who become injured or ill. Following first aid protocols will enable you to make good decisions and deal appropriately with situations that may occur.
The Forest School First Aid course covers first aid for Adults, children and can also include infants as your group could include adult leaders, assistants and helpers, children and maybe also adults with babies. If you run family days or open learning sessions you may have anyone of any age become a casualty. On the two day Forest School First Aid course you will become proficient at the basics of first aid and know how to apply these skills in the outdoor environment.
I am Maxine, the main trainer for this course, I am a qualified teacher, have been involved in outdoor learning for over 20 years and truly understand this learning and working environment. I have worked with children from nursery age right through to teenagers making use of the outdoors as an environment for development in all aspects of learning. I now deliver many different types of First Aid training but my particular specialisms are Forest School First Aid, Paediatric First Aid and Outdoor First Aid.
Peritia Training is a centre that delivers quality, sector specific, first aid courses. I firmly believe in delivering courses in learning environments that reflect the areas that candidates work in, and making the course applicable to the needs of those learners.
Bradfield Woods, Suffolk
For this reason our Forest School First aid course always includes outdoor scenarios.
On the Forest School First Aid course learners will cover the following topics:
Role and responsibilities of a first Aider
Vital signs
Unconscious casualties
CPR and use of AED
Choking
Bleeding and shock
Minor injuries
Burns
Limb injury
Head and Spine injuries
Medical conditions
Effects of heat/ cold
Bites and stings
All of the above course content is delivered in the context of the outdoor environment in which you will be working. Most of the time we will learn how to deal with casualties in the wet and muddy conditions that we might expect in the outdoors. Occasionally we get sunshine and then can enjoy the luxury of looking after our casualties in more hospitable circumstances.
Outdoor scenarios are realistic and similar to what you might expect in your outdoor learning environment. A child who has tripped and grazed a knee, an insect in the eye, a fall from a log resulting in a sprained ankle, cold stress from the weather, an adult who is finding that their allergies or asthma are being triggered by the outdoors environment. All these and more are covered during the practical nature of the course.
So if you think this is the course for you why not take a look at our website and maybe book onto our next course. All of our Forest School First Aid courses also have the option of obtaining a Paediatric First Aid Certificate. This could be useful to you if you work in an Early Years setting such as a nursery or reception class. Doing both courses at the same time requires less days out of work and also less cost to either you or your employer.
Peritia Training is an ITC First accredited centre which ensures that our courses are all of the highest quality.