Teenagers ready to be left holding baby

Published on Monday 8 June 2009 22:02

IT may be the ultimate creche course. Pioneering childcare classes are set to be offered to teenagers across an entire region of Scotland for the first time.

A pilot scheme proved so successful that youth workers across the region are to be trained to offer babysitting training across Aberdeenshire.

Topics provided on the three- week course are set to include first aid, practical techniques such as nappy changing and tips for entertaining children of different ages.

Staff at Aberdeenshire Council came up with the idea after realising there was a huge demand from parents who, particularly in rural areas, often do not have relatives nearby to look after youngsters.

Instead, the teenage children of friends or neighbours are asked to step in.

The pilot course took place in three two-hour sessions straight after school.

Most of the 11 girls who took part came from Ellon Academy and underwent the lessons at Ellon's Ythan Community Centre.

Those who participated received a certificate to prove they had completed the course, which is based on British Red Cross first aid guidelines.

There is no law specifying how old a babysitter needs to be, although legally no-one under the age of 16 should be left in charge of an infant.

Council staff made it clear to those taking part that finishing the course successfully did not result in a formal qualification.

However, they hope it will give parents in the area reassurance that their babysitter has some understanding of the issues.

Julie Swan, a parent and nursery teacher in Aberdeenshire, said: "Just to know that the children had at least thought through any possible scenarios that could arise would definitely give me reassurance as a parent.

"And, as a teacher, I think anybody left in charge of small children should have an element of some sort of training.

"It has not always been possible in the past but now that this babysitting course is here, people should take advantage of it."

Judith Gillespie, policy development officer for the Scottish Parent Teacher Council (SPTC) said the course, which is now due to be introduced next year, would be particularly helpful to youngsters who have not had the experience of young children in their families.

However, she urged caution and said it was important untrained people should not go beyond their level of competence.

She said: "Increasing people's awareness is probably a good thing for schools to do.

"But the advice we give to people is if you have just a smattering of knowledge and understanding at no point should you pretend you have more knowledge than you have.

"Clearly a three-week course will not turn a youngster into a paramedic and it is very important (the children on the course] understand you are giving them an outline not a full qualification in childcare.

"It's very important that the limits of what are taught are understood by everybody."

Children learn key skills

SALLY Sheehan, a community learning and development worker in Aberdeenshire, was one of the trainers on the pilot course.

She said the course covered first aid, such as how to deal with choking and how to carry out resuscitation.

Pupils were also taught how to spot warning signs of illness in infants – such as high temperature, listlessness and how to tell whether a rash might indicate meningitis – and when to contact a hospital. Practical skills such as feeding, nappy changing and handling techniques were also taught.

Understanding which games children of different ages enjoy and which toys are appropriate for specific age groups also formed part of the training, as well as very basic child development ideas.

Ms Sheehan said of the first group of youngsters to take part in the course: "They have learned a number of new skills which they will be able to put to good use when they begin babysitting."