Abacus Professional Training
We provide a range of regulated,
HSE recognised, quality assured First Aid Courses in the South West.
What we can offer you
First aid for the workplace
View our range of courses aimed at teaching you first aid for use in the workplace.
First aid for schools
Working with children and young people? Take a look at our first aid courses for use in schools.
Covid19 guidance
Thank you for reading this information
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stated that employers should review their first aid needs assessment and maintain adequate first aid provision for those continuing to operate in the workplace.
To support employers with maintaining adequate first aid provision during COVID-19, the HSE has provided some helpful guidance. This includes extending the validity of Emergency First Aid and First Aid at Work certificates where requalification training is prevented for reasons associated directly with COVID-19, or by complying with related government advice. This applies to certificates expiring on or after 16 March 2020.
What is the current situation for early years first aid provision?
The Department for Education (DfE) have modified the EYFS statutory framework in response to changes in the workforce. This includes the requirement for at least one person with a full Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate to be on the premises at all times where there are children below the age of 2. However, if there are children aged 2-5 within a setting, providers must use their ‘best endeavours’ to ensure one person with a full Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate is on-site when children are present. Please click here for further details.
Additionally, if PFA certificate requalification training is prevented for reasons associated directly with COVID-19, or by complying with related government advice, the validity of current certificates can be extended by up to 3 months. This applies to certificates expiring on or after 16 March 2020.
What is ‘essential training’?
For workplaces that are unable to maintain adequate first aid provision, essential face-to-face classroom training may be required. This could include those who work in hospitals, schools, supermarkets, care homes, construction, manufacturing and other front line services.
Other essential training may also be required for key workers to comply with health and safety regulations and safeguarding requirements.
How can Abacus Professional Training safely carry out essential first aid training face-to-face?
We have created a document which details the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk of infection as far as possible when delivering and assessing first aid training in the classroom. This is a live document and will be updated whenever new evidence or guidance comes to light in this fast moving situation.
Can Abacus Professional Training deliver first aid training online?
First aid training that is delivered solely online is not permitted by the HSE or DfE, however a ‘blended learning’ approach remains acceptable.
What about planning for the future?
It’s currently unknown when social distancing measures will be lifted and normal training procedures can resume. However, with socially distanced first aid training guidance, blended learning options for first aid and complete remote delivery options for other qualifications, Abacus Professional Training is committed to helping you continue training during these unprecedented times and into the future.
If you have any questions or require additional support, please email abacusprotraining@btinternet.com
Why choose us?
At Abacus Professional Training, we have a passion for delivering effective, long lasting health and safety knowledge to our customers.
Established in 2005 in the heart of the South West, we are committed to equipping you with the vital skills needed to provide emergency first aid in a variety of environments.