The QualCert Level 4 Award in NRASTC / ATPRA Trainer Assessor is a comprehensive qualification designed for individuals aiming to deliver and assess lifesaving training in aquatic environments. Whether you are looking to train swimming instructors, school lifeguards, or water safety personnel, this qualification equips you with the knowledge and skills to deliver nationally recognised programmes such as the National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) and the Aquatic Teaching and Pool Rescue Award (ATPRA).
This Level 4 qualification provides experienced aquatic professionals with the tools to become certified trainers and assessors for NRASTC and ATPRA courses. It prepares candidates to design, deliver, and evaluate high-quality training sessions, and to assess learner performance in line with the standards set by national governing bodies and health and safety legislation.
This qualification provides a nationally recognised platform for developing and assessing aquatic safety courses. It ensures that you can confidently train professionals responsible for safeguarding lives in and around water. With pool safety being a critical element of school, club, and public swimming sessions, qualified trainer assessors play a key role in accident prevention and emergency preparedness.
The QualCert Level 4 Award in NRASTC / ATPRA Trainer Assessor empowers you to lead, teach, and assess aquatic safety with authority and professionalism. It is an essential qualification for those passionate about water safety education and developing confidence in others to handle aquatic emergencies effectively.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 4 Award in NRASTC / ATPRA Trainer Assessor:
The QualCert Level 4 Award in NRASTC / ATPRA Trainer Assessor, offers 12 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 60 hours, including 36Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC25005-1 | Advanced Principles and Theoretical Foundations of Paediatric First Aid | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| QC25005-2 | Managing Paediatric Emergencies and Incident Scene Leadership | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| QC25005-3 | Recognising and Responding to Illnesses and Injuries in Children | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| QC25005-4 | Life Support and Resuscitation for Infants and Children | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| QC25005-5 | Instructional Methods for Paediatric First Aid Delivery | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| QC25005-6 | Safeguarding, Legal Responsibilities and Reflective Practice in First Aid | 2 | 6 | 10 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 4 Award in NRASTC / ATPRA Trainer Assessor:
To enroll in the QualCert Level 4 Award in NRASTC / ATPRA Trainer Assessor, following are requirement:
1. Minimum Age
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrolment.
2. Educational Background
- A minimum of Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area such as Lifeguarding, Swimming Teaching, First Aid, or Sport & Leisure is required.
- Candidates must hold a current and valid NRASTC (National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches) or ATPRA (Aquatic Therapy Pool Rescue Award) qualification.
3. Experience
- A minimum of 12 months of practical experience delivering training or working in a relevant aquatic, lifeguarding, or educational environment.
- Evidence of having delivered or supported training sessions in aquatic rescue or first aid contexts is highly desirable.
4. Language Proficiency
- Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language skills at a minimum of CEFR Level B2 or equivalent (e.g., IELTS 5.5 or above).
Learning Outcomes of QualCert Level 4 Award in NRASTC / ATPRA Trainer Assessor:
Advanced Principles and Theoretical Foundations of Paediatric First Aid
- Analyse anatomical and physiological differences in children and infants.
- Interpret medical and situational factors that influence paediatric emergencies.
- Examine evidence-based first aid practices for paediatric care.
- Evaluate environmental and social risk factors affecting child health.
Managing Paediatric Emergencies and Incident Scene Leadership
- Lead emergency scenes involving infants and children using structured assessment tools.
- Prioritise responses based on casualty needs and situational risks.
- Coordinate with parents, caregivers, and emergency services effectively.
- Apply paediatric triage techniques and emergency communication protocols.
Recognising and Responding to Illnesses and Injuries in Children
- Identify and treat a range of common and complex childhood conditions (e.g. asthma, meningitis, diabetes).
- Respond to trauma-related injuries such as fractures, burns, and head injuries.
- Monitor vital signs and use child-appropriate equipment.
- Apply safe manual handling and casualty movement techniques for children.
Life Support and Resuscitation for Infants and Children
- Perform CPR and choking protocols for different paediatric age groups.
- Demonstrate use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) with paediatric settings.
- Use bag-valve masks and airway adjuncts safely and effectively.
- Apply recovery positioning based on age and injury context.
Instructional Methods for Paediatric First Aid Delivery
- Plan, deliver and evaluate paediatric first aid training sessions.
- Use inclusive and age-appropriate teaching resources for diverse learner groups.
- Integrate demonstration, scenario-based learning and formative assessment techniques.
- Reflect on delivery effectiveness and learner engagement strategies.
Safeguarding, Legal Responsibilities and Reflective Practice in First Aid
- Understand the legal and ethical framework for paediatric first aid in the UK.
- Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns in training and real scenarios.
- Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR and reporting requirements.
- Develop reflective practices for continuous improvement as a paediatric first aider or trainer.
This course is designed for experienced aquatic professionals who are ready to take the next step in their career by becoming qualified Trainer Assessors for the NRASTC (National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches) or ATPRA (Aquatic Therapy Pool Rescue Award).
It is ideal for:
- Lifeguards, swimming teachers, or aquatic therapists who already hold a current NRASTC or ATPRA qualification and want to train and assess others.
- Aquatic centre managers, supervisors, or senior staff responsible for staff development and safety training within swimming pools or aquatic therapy environments.
- First aid and lifesaving instructors looking to expand their qualification portfolio and deliver accredited aquatic rescue training.
- Individuals seeking to become approved training providers or assessors under a recognised awarding body.
This course is especially suitable for those who are passionate about teaching, mentoring, and improving safety standards in aquatic environments.ation in the workplace, public sector, or community initiatives.