EYFS and First Aid
The revised EYFS statutory framework became effective on 1st September 2025
This is what it means for those working with Early Years and the requirements relating to Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Training
The information given below is quoted from the EYFS statutory guidance with information in colour to show how we can help you meet the requirements.
For Group and School Based Providers
Paediatric First Aid
3.36 At least one person who has a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present and must accompany children on outings. The certificate must be for a full course consistent with the criteria set out in Annex A. PFA training must be renewed every three years and be relevant for people caring for young children and babies.
Peritia Training offers both Emergency Paediatric First Aid and the full Paediatric First Aid courses which are consistent with the requirements set out by this guidance. For more information click here.
3.37 Providers should take into account the number of children, staff, and layout of premises to ensure that a paediatric first aider is able to respond to emergencies quickly.
3.38 All staff who obtained a level 2 and/or level 3 qualification since 30 June 2016 must obtain a PFA qualification within three months of starting work in order to be included in the required staff: child ratios at level 2 or level 3 in an early years setting All staff who have completed the experience-based route must obtain a PFA qualification before they can be included in the staff:child ratios at level 3. To continue to be included in the ratio requirement the certificate must be renewed every 3 years
3.39 Providers should display (or make available to parents) staff PFA certificates or a list of staff who have a current PFA certificate.
We provide a PDF of the certificates for each learner which you can print off and display in your premises. You can also display the PDF certificate online or upload where necessary.
Safer eating
3.63 Whilst children are eating there should always be a member of staff in the room with a valid paediatric first aid certificate for a full course consistent with the criteria set out in Annex A.
Choking is covered on both the Emergency Paediatric and the Full Paediatric First Aid courses. Learners are assessed on both Infant and Child choking using suitable mannequins.
Accident or injury
3.77 Providers must ensure a first aid box with appropriate items for use on children is always accessible. Providers must keep a written record of accidents or injuries and first aid treatment. Providers must inform parents and/or carers of any accident or injury sustained by the child on the same day as, or as soon as reasonably practicable after, and of any first aid treatment given.
Annex A: Criteria for effective Paediatric First Aid (PFA) training
Our first aid training meets all the requirements listed below. We are an accredited centre with an Awarding body (ITC First) and offer Regulated Qualifications. We have a robust quality assurance process and work hard to ensure the quality of all training that we deliver.
1. Training is designed for workers caring for young children in the absence of their parents and is appropriate to the age of the children being cared for.
2. Following training, an assessment of competence leads to the award of a certificate.
3. The certificate must be renewed every three years.
4. Adequate resuscitation and other equipment including baby and junior models must be provided, so that all trainees are able to practice and demonstrate techniques.
5. The emergency PFA course should be undertaken face-to-face and last for a minimum of 6 hours (excluding breaks) and cover the following areas:
• Be able to assess an emergency situation and prioritise what action to take
• Help a baby/child who is unresponsive and breathing normally.
• Help a baby/child who is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
• Help a baby/child who is having a seizure.
• Help a baby/child who is choking.
• Help a baby/child who is bleeding.
• Help a baby/child who is suffering from shock caused by severe blood loss (hypovolemic shock).
6. The full PFA course should last for a minimum of 12 hours (excluding breaks) and cover the elements listed below in addition to the areas set out in paragraph 5 (the emergency PFA training elements outlined in paragraph 5 should be delivered face-to-face). Face-to-face means trainers are physically present with their trainees. This excludes the use of online platforms.
• Help a baby/child who is suffering from anaphylactic shock.
• Help a baby/child who has had an electric shock.
• Help a baby/child who has burns or scalds.
• Help a baby/child who has a suspected fracture.
• Help a baby/child with head, neck or back injuries.
• Help a baby/child who is suspected of being poisoned.
• Help a baby/child with a foreign body in eyes, ears or nose.
• Help a baby/child with an eye injury.
• Help a baby/child with a bite or sting.
• Help a baby/child who is suffering from the effects of extreme heat or cold.
• Help a baby/child having: a diabetic emergency; an asthma attack; an allergic reaction; meningitis; and/or febrile convulsions.
• Understand the role and responsibilities of the paediatric first aider (including appropriate contents of a first aid box and how to record accidents and incidents).
7. Providers should consider whether paediatric first aiders need to undertake annual refresher training, during any three-year certification period to help maintain basic skills and keep up to date with any changes to PFA procedures.
To book a course go to www.peritiatraining.co.uk/paediatric-first-aid-colchester-essex