The call came after a joint statement that they would be withdrawing their First Aid Approval scheme in July 2006.
It said that the scheme, which was set up in 1989 to give members the opportunity to access sector-specific first aid training, had grown 'beyond its resources'.
Michael Freeston, the Alliance's director of training and quality assurance, said that it was originally developed as a service to members, but it is now being 'used and relied on' by the whole children's sector, 'without any contribution to the costs'.
He said that the 'light touch' nature of the scheme had led to 'widespread misinterpretation'.
'The public assumes that we approve the trainers and the quality of the training, whereas in fact we only approve the trainers' programme plans.
'In a recent case a trainer was found to be unsuitable for any work involving children and complaints about the poor quality of delivery by some trainers are on the increase.'
Charles Rice, NCMA's director for training, development and quality assurance, said, 'Both organisations decided that the risks and difficulties of running a "light touch" scheme now outweigh the benefits. A truly robust scheme - at least equivalent to the HSE quality assurance of First Aid at Work - would require resources beyond our organisations'
current capacity.'
Amanda Hughes, a first aid paediatric consultant and trainer for Plymouth-based Sure-Est Training, said that she understood why the NCMA and PLA had withdrawn the scheme, but she added, 'A more stringent regulating body for paediatric first aid training that is sector-specific must be put in place, otherwise the quality and standards of training will decline.'
The list of approved NCMA/ Alliance trainers is valid until 31 July 2006.
The organisations said that the decision was taken after 'months of discussion' with the DfES.
They recommended that the new Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) should 'continue our efforts to ensure all childcarers have access to appropriate first aid training'.
Jane Haywood, CWDC chief executive said, 'We will work with our key partners to ensure high-quality, appropriate training is available across the sector.'
