TAVISTOCK College students have completed a nationally-recognised first aid qualification ahead of placements caring for children.

The training, delivered by school nurse Janet Piper, means students on the BTEC National Diploma for Children's Care, Learning and Development and the BTEC First Diploma in Health and Social Care courses are able to carry out emergency first aid and potentially save a life.

Teacher Anne Styles, who co-ordinates the BTEC courses, said: 'It was great to see the students engaged and gaining a real sense of responsibility.

'The First Diploma is a new course and the National Diploma is the most popular it's ever been — we're full to capacity this year.'

Twenty Year 12 students are working towards the level 3 BTEC Children's Care, Learning and Development qualification, eleven of whom are doing the full National Diploma with professional practice status while nine have opted for the National Award.

They study psychology and examine aspects of children's learning and development, as well as discovering how to carry out observations. Everything they learn is then applied during work placements in a safe way.

The two courses are part of an extended range of post-16 opportunities available at Tavistock College's sixth form.