Paediatric First Aid, EFAW and CPR training delivered on INSET days across Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire. Ofsted compliant courses for all school staff.
Schools have a legal and moral duty to ensure the safety and welfare of pupils, staff and visitors. With hundreds of children in one building, minor accidents and medical incidents are a daily reality — from playground injuries and allergic reactions to more serious emergencies such as anaphylaxis, seizures and cardiac events. Having trained first aiders on site means help is available immediately, long before an ambulance can arrive.
The Department for Education (DfE) guidance makes clear that schools must ensure adequate first aid provision based on a suitable risk assessment. Ofsted inspectors examine whether schools have appropriate numbers of trained first aiders and whether qualifications are current. Schools that fall short risk negative inspection outcomes and — more importantly — leave children unnecessarily at risk during an emergency.
Early years and Reception class settings face the strictest requirements. Under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, at least one person with a current paediatric first aid certificate must be on site at all times when children are present and on any offsite outing. This is a non-negotiable statutory requirement, not a recommendation.
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require all employers, including schools, to provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities and personnel. For schools, additional guidance comes from the DfE's "First Aid in Schools, Early Years and Further Education" document, which should be read alongside the EYFS statutory framework for early years settings.
Key requirements include: a sufficient number of trained first aiders based on pupil numbers and a written risk assessment; an appointed person to manage first aid arrangements; regular refresher training to maintain qualifications; and appropriate first aid kits in accessible locations throughout the building. For EYFS settings, the ratio of trained paediatric first aiders to children must be maintained throughout the day and on trips.
Primary schools with EYFS classes require Paediatric First Aid (PFA) for relevant staff. Secondary schools require EFAW or FAW depending on risk assessment. Schools with science laboratories, DT workshops, or regular sporting activities may need the full 3-day First Aid at Work qualification for certain staff. Annual refresher training is strongly recommended to keep skills current between formal recertification cycles.
Mandatory for EYFS staff. Covers child-specific emergencies including choking, anaphylaxis, febrile convulsions, and unresponsive child. Available as 2-day face-to-face or blended learning.
Learn more →1-day course ideal for support staff, lunchtime supervisors and secondary school staff. Covers adult CPR, choking, bleeding and unconsciousness.
Learn more →Full qualification for caretakers, site managers and staff responsible for higher-risk areas such as DT workshops, science labs and sports facilities.
Learn more →Tailored training covering the specific scenarios faced in educational settings, adapted to the age groups your staff work with every day.
Learn more →Get a free quote for your school. We'll recommend the right courses and deliver them onsite at a time that suits you.
Get a Free Quote 📞 07555 938144Get a free quote for onsite first aid training at your school. Serving schools across Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire.