First Aid in Schools: What You Need to Know
Keeping children safe is a top priority in schools, nurseries, and childcare settings. Accidents and emergencies can happen anywhere, so having well-trained first aiders and the right provisions in place is essential. But what are the legal requirements for first aid in schools? Let’s break it down in a simple way.
First Aid for Young Children (EYFS Framework)
Schools and childcare providers working with children from birth to age five must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, which was updated in October 2024. This framework requires at least one person with a full, current paediatric first aid certificate to be on-site at all times, including during trips and outings.
First Aid for Older Children (Health and Safety Regulations)
For schools and colleges providing education for older children, the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 come into play. These regulations state that employers must ensure staff receive immediate attention if they are injured or fall ill at work. While the law mainly focuses on employees, it is strongly recommended that schools also consider students and visitors when making first aid arrangements.
In most schools, the headteacher is responsible for overseeing health and safety, including first aid.
First Aid Essentials for Schools
Schools must have the means to administer first aid both on-site and during off-site activities like educational visits. At a minimum, you’ll need:
- A properly stocked paediatric first aid kit – There’s no fixed number of kits required, but they must be sufficient for the setting.
- A designated first aider – Someone trained and ready to respond to emergencies.
- Clear information on where first aid equipment and personnel are located.
Choosing a First Aider
A first aid needs assessment will help determine how many first aiders a school or college requires. When selecting first aiders, consider:
- Reliability – They need to be ready to act when needed.
- Strong communication skills – First aiders must take control in urgent situations.
- Ability to learn new skills – Staying up to date with training is crucial.
- Handling stress well – First aid can be physically and emotionally demanding.
- Availability – Their primary role shouldn’t prevent them from responding quickly.
First aiders should know when professional medical help is needed, including calling an ambulance if necessary. To be qualified, they must complete an accredited first aid training course and hold a valid certificate.
Beyond Basic First Aid
Schools and colleges are encouraged to appoint a senior mental health lead to support the well-being of students and staff. Mental health first aid training helps staff recognise warning signs and provide the right support while looking after their own well-being.
First aid certificates last for three years, so it’s essential to arrange retraining before they expire. Expired certificates require a full retraining course to remain qualified.
First Aid for School Trips
School trips often require additional first aid provisions, beyond those needed on-site. Make sure you assess risks and have properly trained staff ready for any emergencies during outings.
Get First Aid Training for Your Team
Ensuring the right people in your school are trained to handle emergencies is vital. At Livius Training Ltd, we offer fully accredited first aid training tailored to schools and educational settings.
Want to find out more? Get in touch with Livius Training Ltd today at 01423 396780 and let us help you make your school a safer place!
Relevant Training Courses
Ultimately, it’s your duty to ensure that the right members of your team are trained and that you have a fully qualified person ready to respond to incidents and emergencies as quickly as possible. At Livius Training Ltd, we’re always happy to provide guidance on the most appropriate training for your team. Feel free to check out our fully accredited training courses below or call us on 01423 396780.