Two pioneering training courses aimed at helping Fire and Rescue Services meet the demands of the Community and Local Government’s (CLG) 'Strategy for Children and Young People' have been launched.

FPM Training, a specialist public sector training provider, has developed these programmes in partnership with the Fire Service College and the National Youth Agency. The College’s involvement is crucial in ensuring the courses reach a wide audience and are tailored to the specific needs of Fire and Rescue Services.

'Safeguarding Children and Young People’ is an e-learning programme designed to ensure that all Fire and Rescue staff are aware of their responsibilities for safeguarding children and young people expected under legislation.

Effective Work with Young People’ is an intensive 2 day programme for Fire and Rescue staff working with children and young people more regularly or responsible for implementing the Strategy.

Chief Executive of FPM, Kevin Ford, said: "We have enlisted the help of Leicestershire and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services to make these courses as accessible and useful as possible. They will help services nationwide to work safely and effectively with young people."

The story began when Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) Youth Development Officer Cassandra Swan identified a need for training specifically for firefighters working with young people. She approached professional provider FPM Training, with whom she was studying for a management course, for help.

"I listed the areas firefighters said they would like covered in a two-day course including:  Safeguarding, motivating young people and boundaries which would all be in keeping with the national strategy and ‘Every Child Matters’," said Cassandra.

Richard Johnes from the Community Safety Support Centre of the Fire Service College will help to deliver the initiative: "Those who complete Effective Work with Young People will receive accreditation from the College and FPM, which recognises 20 guided learning hours."

At a special launch of the new programmes at BLFRS headquarters in Kempston, Bedfordshire, Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller welcomed the courses and said the project reflected the considerable investment made by his team in youth work across the board.

"Firefighters need the skills and training to enable them to work well with young people. This course, with its on-line delivery, will be useful for all Fire and Rescue Services. I will be supporting this at Chief Fire Officer Association level," added Mr Fuller.