First Aid Training for Nurseries & Childminders

EYFS statutory and Ofsted compliant Paediatric First Aid delivered at your nursery or setting. Serving childminders, preschools and day nurseries across Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire.

Why Nurseries & Childminders Need Paediatric First Aid

Nurseries, preschools and childminders care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society — babies and very young children who cannot communicate their symptoms clearly and who can deteriorate rapidly in a medical emergency. From choking on food to febrile convulsions, anaphylactic reactions to serious head injuries from falls, early years settings face a very specific range of emergencies that require training specifically focused on infant and child casualties.

Standard adult first aid courses are not designed to address the physiological and anatomical differences between children and adults. The technique for infant CPR is fundamentally different to adult CPR. Choking treatment differs between babies, toddlers and adults. Paediatric First Aid training is designed from the ground up to address the specific needs of child casualties, giving nursery staff the confidence and competence to respond effectively in a real emergency.

For childminders working alone, paediatric first aid training is even more critical. Without colleagues to assist, a childminder must be able to single-handedly manage a child emergency, call for help and continue providing care until the ambulance arrives. Comprehensive training and regular skills maintenance are essential for those working in solo childcare settings.

EYFS Requirements & Ofsted Compliance

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework — a legal requirement for all Ofsted-registered early years providers — contains specific requirements for first aid provision. All providers must ensure that at least one person who has a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate is on the premises at all times when children are present. The same requirement applies on any outing away from the setting.

For childminders, a current PFA certificate is a condition of registration with Ofsted. New childminders must complete a PFA course before their registration is approved. PFA qualifications are valid for 3 years and must be renewed before they expire to maintain compliance. Lapsing certificates risk a compliance failure at Ofsted inspection.

Ofsted inspectors actively check paediatric first aid compliance during inspections. They verify that the required number of staff hold in-date certificates, that certificates were awarded by an approved training provider, and that the training included the required face-to-face practical component. Blended learning (online theory + face-to-face practical) is accepted by Ofsted provided the practical element meets the required hours. We can confirm which format is right for your setting.

Recommended Courses for Nurseries & Childminders

Paediatric First Aid

The EYFS-required qualification for nursery staff and childminders. Covers infant and child CPR, choking, febrile convulsions, anaphylaxis, head injuries and much more. Face-to-face and blended learning options available.

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Emergency First Aid at Work

Complementary training for nursery administrative staff, kitchen staff and support workers who are not responsible for direct child care but may need to respond to emergencies.

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Annual Refresher Training

Annual refresher sessions keep paediatric first aid skills sharp between 3-year recertification cycles — essential when working daily with babies and young children.

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CPR & AED Training

A valuable add-on for nurseries with AED devices. Ensures staff are confident using the defibrillator in adult emergencies involving parents, carers or members of staff.

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Why Choose Forest Medical Training?

  • EYFS and Ofsted compliant — our Paediatric First Aid qualification meets all statutory requirements for early years settings
  • Onsite delivery at your nursery — we train your entire team at your premises, minimising disruption to your setting
  • Childminder-friendly scheduling — we offer flexible timing to accommodate the demands of solo childcare providers
  • Group rates for nursery teams — cost-effective pricing when training your full team, with reminders when recertification is due

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Under the EYFS statutory framework, nurseries and early years settings must ensure that at least one person with a current paediatric first aid certificate is on the premises at all times when children are present and on all outings. This is a legal requirement under the EYFS, not just a recommendation. For childminders, a PFA certificate is required as a condition of Ofsted registration.
Ofsted inspectors check that the required number of staff hold current PFA certificates, that those certificates are in date (valid for 3 years), that training was from an approved provider, and that the face-to-face practical requirement was met. They also check that first aid cover is maintained at all times, including on outings and when regular first aiders are absent.
The EYFS requires at least one PFA-trained person on the premises at all times. To ensure compliance during holidays, sickness and outings, many settings train all or most of their staff. Ofsted expects settings to have enough trained staff to maintain cover in all circumstances — training only the minimum creates significant compliance risk if that person is absent.

Ready to Book Paediatric First Aid?

Get a free quote for EYFS-compliant Paediatric First Aid training at your nursery or childminding setting. Serving Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire.