School Curriculum: First Aid Training and Home Nursing

Lord Lingfield Excerpts

Thursday 16th December 2021 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

The noble Baroness is absolutely right, and the curriculum is also included in all primary schools in an age-appropriate manner.

[Lord Lingfield (Con)]

My Lords, would my noble friend agree that one of the best ways of teaching first aid in schools is through the Combined Cadet Force? The Government’s school cadet expansion programme has a target of 60,000 young people participating by next year. Can my noble friend tell us how far along the road we are with that? I remind your Lordships of my charitable interest as chairman of the Cadet Vocational Qualifications Organisation.

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

My noble friend is right to bring attention to the CCF and the great work that it does. But I am sure he would agree that there are a number of other organisations, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the National Citizen Service, that also focus on equipping young people with a range of skills, including first aid. I will write to my noble friend with an update on recruit numbers.