FAR regulatory requirement extension to November 2021

Please be informed that due to the ongoing pandemic, Tusla has provided an extension to FAR regulatory requirement for all registered Early Learning and Care (ELC), School Age Childcare (SAC) and Childminders (CM) providers.

Tusla will therefore align their regulatory activity with this extension and only commence inspecting against this requirement from 1^st November 2021. At that time, Tusla will expect at least one person(s) to have successfully undertaken the First Aid Response (FAR) course to be available to children at all times in a service and will inspect services on that basis.

Please see link below for further Tusla communications on this regulatory extension.

https://www.tusla.ie/services/preschool-services/early-years-pre-school-inspection-services/first-aid-training-in-early-years-services/

 

FAR reimbursement extension to 31^st October

Due to Covid-19 pandemic public health restrictions, the practical training element of FAR courses were put on hold, as a result Tusla and the Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) have agreed to extend the reimbursement timeframe to meet this regulatory requirement to 31^st October 2021.

To support services to meet their regulatory requirement the DCEDIY has extended and altered the FAR Reimbursement Fund which will fund one FAR first aid training place per registered ELC, SAC and CM, to a maximum of €225 per full course or €175 per refresher course.

 

Key Points to remember in completing a FAR Reimbursement Application to WCCC

• Please read attached Reimbursement Application form for eligibility criteria and dates for application submittal and payment schedules
• Training must be completed by 31^st October 2021
• Completed FAR Reimbursement application form must be accompanied by a PHECC accredited FAR certificate and a copy of training payment receipt

 

Things to consider prior to engaging in FAR training

Before undertaking in FAR training Registered Providers should ensure the following:

• That the training is being offered by a PHECC Approved Training Institution listed here.
• That the company is adhering to public health guidance and social distance measures for face-to-face training
• That the company you choose to do online training with will also be able to offer the practical part of the course as well as the assessment in a place and at a time that will suit you
• 8 is the maximum participant limit in regard to face-to-face courses
• That the practical element of training can be completed before 31^st October
• That the training company can provide you with your accredited cert by final payment date 10^th December

 

Claiming partial subsidy:

If you applied for partial reimbursement on completion of online theory training, and you have now completed the practical element of the course, providers can apply to Wicklow CCC for the remaining amount of 1/3 course cost, by submitting a copy of PHECC accredited FAR certificate.

 

This FAR reimbursement is an opportunity for you as a Tusla registered provider to access financial support to meet this regulatory requirement, you are entitled to it so we would strongly encourage you to avail of it.

Please note there will be no extension by the DCEDIY to support funding beyond 31st October 2021.

Please complete FAR Reimbursement Form and return to:

Wicklow CCC, Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow A67 ND90

Please contact WCCC on 0404 64455 for further information.