Child Matters

27/07/2026

Keep track of your tent, where you parked your car and other spots you need to remember with the what3words app.

It's a simple navigation tool, perfect for festivals, holidays and getting help from emergency services if you're not sure where you are. If you get seperated from friends you'll know exactly where to find them.

Only three little words needed, easy to remember and you'll pinpoint your exact location. You can save and navigate to what3words addresses without a data connection and even if the map doesn't load.

Never get lost again. Give it a try and download the app today.

24/07/2026

Join one of two First Aid Classes we’re running this October at Redgrave Sports Centre in Marlow.

Learn how to deal with various emergency situations, and skills that could safe a life. Two versions aimed at differing age groups.

Links to book are below. They are very popular so book early to avoid disappointment.

Organised by Child Matters, with a donation to Friends of Great Marlow School.

https://juniorfirstaid15october.eventbrite.co.uk

Or

https://familyfirstaid21october.eventbrite.co.uk

22/07/2026

With high record breaking temperatures this summer it's more important than ever to keep babies, toddlers and children hydrated. Children are busy bees and get easily distracted running around without remembering to stop and drink. Have you noticed if your child becomes more irritable, tired, naughty or just not acting themselves in the heat?

Could it be dehydration? Your child might not be able to explain how they are feeling so keep a check on their symptoms to look out for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Are they?:
• Feeling thirsty
• Dark yellow and strong smelling p*e
• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded
• Feeling tired or irritable
• Dry mouth, lips and eyes
• Peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day or nappies drier than usual

If your child shows any of these symptoms of dehydration here are some 5 top tips to quench their thirst and help keep them safe:

• Give regular small sips and allow them to gradually drink more if they can - you can use a spoon or syringe.
• Remember, breastfed babies will want more feeds than usual and this includes night feeds too.
• Did you know that milk is also one of the best choices for keeping hydrated?
• Offer ice-lollies, fresh fruit or even allow juice, when you might ordinarily say no.
• At night time, it’s a good idea to always leave a sippy cup of water next to the bed.

20/07/2026

Before heat stroke symptoms appear, kids often show signs and symptoms of milder heat illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion. They are such busy bees so running around or playing in the heat means they can loose excessive fluids and salt from sweating.

Whereas, heat stroke is a severe type of heat illness that occurs when a child's body creates more heat than it can release. This results in a rapid increase in core body temperature, leading to brain damage or death if not promptly treated.
Heat exhaustion? Look for:

• Cramps in the arms, legs or stomach
• A high temperature
• Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy
• Fast breathing or heartbeat
• Weakness
• Feeling sick or being sick.

If your child has heat exhaustion, follow these 4 steps:
1. Move them to a cool place.
2. Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks.
3. Get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water.
4. Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too.
Stay with them until they're better.

They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.
If dehydration becomes a serious issue and turns quickly from heat exhaustion to heat stroke get medical help immediately. That’s when nausea, high temperature and headache don’t resolve with rehydration within 30 minutes. A child will appear flushed and red, may be hot to touch but remain dry ie. doesn’t have sweat or tears and can be unconscious and floppy. They are at risk of a seizure so should be seen straight away so dial 999 if this happens.

17/07/2026

📣*Paediatric First Aid courses Level 3 - Secure your space for September*📣

On our public courses.

EPFA & PFA - 5 September Marlow
EPFA & PFA – 11 September Marlow
EPFA & PFA – 23 September Marlow
EPFA & PFA – 26 September Marlow
EPFA & PFA – 12 September Yarnton
EPFA & PFA – 25 September Yarnton
EPFA & PFA - 28 November Aylesbury

It really is the busiest time for us, with first aid courses being held on inset days in school settings, back to school preparation meaning teachers and nursery workers refreshing their lifesaving and medical skills before the start new term.

AND with the new mandatory allergy training required for all schools from September...

You get the picture. Don't miss out on a space!

To search and book all these dates listed and more visit child-matters.co.uk/events or get in touch at [email protected]

Specialists in Paediatric First Aid Courses

15/07/2026

6 dangerous products to avoid this summer

We tend to think ‘If I can buy it for my child, it must be safe’. But sadly, that isn’t always true.

1. Some reusable water balloons contain high-strength magnets which can pop out easily. High-strength magnets like these can rip through a child’s gut if swallowed, causing very serious and even life-threatening injuries. Stop using these products straight away.

2. Neck floats are inflatables that sit around a baby’s neck. They’re intended to allow babies to float freely in the water but can be a serious risk of drowning and suffocation. As well as strain and injury to a baby’s neck. These products should be avoided.

3. Mermaid tails and monofins have often been removed from sale due to the high risk of drowning and preventing a child from being unable to swim.

4. Many swim vests and buoyancy aids sold on online marketplaces come from abroad and haven’t been safety tested to our standards. This makes them a serious drowning risk so always buy well-known tested brands.

5. Toys with easy-access button batteries are a no no. Many of the light up flashing toys do and can kill if swallowed. For example, light-up unicorn wands and flashing rings were both recalled. Check the battery compartment is secured with a screw to prevent children gaining access and when not in use keep out of reach.

6. Water beads are especially appealing to young children. But they can be really dangerous if swallowed. As they bathe in stomach fluids, they can expand to many times their original size, posing a serious risk of blockage in a child’s bowel.

Visit gov.uk for a list of recalled products and take care buying from online marketplaces. Visit capt.org.uk for more information.

15/07/2026

15/07/2026

⚠️ Benedict’s Law marks an important step towards improving allergy safety in schools, with a focus on awareness, emergency planning and staff training.⚠️

Help your school team feel more prepared with our Anaphylaxis & Asthma Awareness for Schools Level 2 - Benedict's Law Training course.

See course link below:-

https://www.child-matters.co.uk/anaphylaxis-and-asthma-awareness-level-2/

You can also support practical training by purchasing Epi-Pen training devices, helping staff practise how to use an adrenaline auto-injector safely and confidently.

01/07/2026

Benedict’s Law marks an important step towards improving allergy safety in schools, with a focus on awareness, emergency planning and staff training.

Help your school team feel more prepared with our Anaphylaxis and Asthma Awareness for Schools Level 2- a Benedict’s Law Training course.

You can also support practical training by purchasing Epi-Pen training devices, helping staff practise how to use an adrenaline auto-injector safely and confidently.

Find out more about the training we offer here:-

https://www.child-matters.co.uk/anaphylaxis-and-asthma-awareness-level-2/

Child Matters is an approved ‘Gold’ ProTrainings Centre based in Marlow, Bucks but we teach all over Bucks, Berks, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, London and the South East.

29/06/2026

Does your teen know how to save a life? Give CPR or help a choking casualty? This great group of teenage boys completed a family first aid course this week ahead of their post exam holiday. It’s a skill they will have for life!

We also welcome teenagers looking for the Level 3 First aid qualification worth 8 UCAS points. See our 1 day Emergency Paediatric First Aid or 1 day Emergency First Aid at Work course dates coming up here at child-matters.co.uk/events

Or get in touch for family or group training from the comfort of your own home. [email protected]