When caring for infants and young children, first aid training is not simply a recommendation—it is an essential safeguarding responsibility.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework sets out the standards that all early years providers in England must meet to ensure children learn and develop in safe environments. Alongside this, Ofsted inspectors assess how effectively settings meet these requirements and maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of the children in their care.

Whilst the EYFS framework outlines the minimum standards required, providers should always remember that compliance alone does not necessarily create the safest possible environment. The ultimate goal should be ensuring that staff have the confidence, competence and practical skills needed to respond effectively in an emergency.

What Are the Minimum EYFS and Ofsted Requirements?

The EYFS statutory framework requires all providers to have arrangements in place for administering first aid and responding to accidents, injuries and emergencies.

At least one person who holds a current and full Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present. This requirement also extends to outings and activities away from the setting.

For settings caring for children under the age of two, at least one member of staff with a full Paediatric First Aid qualification must be present at all times and must accompany children on outings.

Newly qualified staff with Level 2 or Level 3 childcare qualifications are also required to obtain an approved Paediatric First Aid qualification within a specified timeframe to meet EYFS requirements.

During inspections, Ofsted will expect providers to demonstrate that appropriate first aid arrangements are in place and that staff are suitably trained to safeguard children effectively.

These requirements establish an important baseline. However, they represent the minimum standard expected of providers rather than the ideal level of preparedness.

In recent years, blended learning and online training options have become increasingly common. Whilst technology can play a valuable role in supporting learning, we believe that practical first aid skills can only be fully developed through hands-on training.

Responding to a choking infant, performing CPR on a child or managing a serious medical emergency requires more than theoretical knowledge. It requires confidence, muscle memory and the ability to apply skills under pressure.

These are qualities that are developed through practice, repetition and expert instructor feedback.

Hands-on training allows learners to physically perform life-saving skills, work through realistic emergency scenarios and receive immediate guidance to improve their technique. It also provides opportunities to ask questions, discuss real-life situations and build confidence in a supportive learning environment.

Whilst online learning can be useful for delivering background knowledge and theory, it should never replace meaningful practical experience when training people who may one day need to save a child’s life.

The reality is simple: in an emergency, confidence comes from practice.