Under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, every nursery and childminding setting must have at least one person with a current paediatric first aid certificate on the premises at all times when children are present. If you have new staff joining in September, or existing certificates expiring over summer, August is the last practical window to get everyone trained before term starts.
The EYFS statutory framework sets out staffing requirements for all registered early years providers in England. On paediatric first aid, the requirement is straightforward: at least one person who has a current and full paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on site at all times when children are in the setting.
This applies to nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, and any other Ofsted-registered early years provision. The certificate must come from a training course of at least 12 hours, delivered by a qualified trainer. Emergency paediatric first aid (a shorter six-hour course) only satisfies part of the requirement and does not count as a full PFA qualification for ratio purposes.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a general duty on employers to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and anyone affected by their work. In a nursery, that includes every child in the building. Paediatric first aid training is one of the most direct ways to meet that duty.
Most nursery managers know about the PFA requirement. The problems tend to be practical, not a lack of awareness. Here are the gaps that catch people out.
Certificates expiring over summer is the biggest one. A three-year certificate issued in August 2023 expires in August 2026. If nobody checks the dates before the summer break, you can return in September without a qualified first aider on site.
New starters without PFA is the second. A nursery nurse or childminding assistant hired for September cannot count toward your paediatric first aid cover until they hold a valid certificate. If they start on 1 September without one, you may not be meeting EYFS ratios from day one.
Relying on a single certificate holder is the third. If your only qualified person is off sick or on annual leave, you have a compliance gap. Settings with more than one room or session should aim for at least two qualified staff members to provide cover.
Under the EYFS framework, Ofsted inspectors will ask to see evidence that a paediatric first aider is present at all times. If you cannot demonstrate this on the day of inspection, it will be flagged as a breach. Check every certificate expiry date now, not in September.
Paediatric first aid courses run over two days. You need two consecutive days when the staff member can be released from the setting, or two days before they officially start. During term time, releasing staff for two full days is difficult without bringing in extra cover or dropping below ratios.
August, while children are on summer break (or numbers are reduced for childminders), gives you the space to get training done without disrupting the setting. Once September hits, you are back to full capacity and finding two days becomes much harder.
For settings in Penrith, Carlisle, Kendal, and across Cumbria, CFST runs paediatric first aid courses at their Penrith training centre and can deliver on-site at your premises. Book your place on the next Penrith course at cumbriafiresafetytraining.co.uk/up-coming-courses.
A full 12-hour paediatric first aid course covers the skills you need for an emergency involving a baby or child. Under the First Aid Regulations 1981, the course content must include managing an unresponsive infant and child, CPR for infants and children, choking, bleeding, burns, seizures, allergic reactions, meningitis awareness, and head injuries.
CFST's course is CPD accredited and delivered by experienced trainers. You get hands-on practice with manikins and scenario-based exercises. The certificate is valid for three years.
On completion, delegates receive a certificate that satisfies the EYFS requirement for full paediatric first aid. This is the qualification Ofsted will expect to see on file.
If any of those checks flag a gap, August is the time to fix it. Waiting until September means training during term time, which costs more in cover staff and causes more disruption.
A paediatric first aid certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue. Under the First Aid Regulations 1981, you must renew before it expires to stay compliant. Set a reminder for at least two months before expiry so you have time to book a course.
The EYFS framework requires a full 12-hour paediatric first aid course with practical, face-to-face training. An online-only course does not satisfy this requirement. The course must include hands-on skills practice, which can only be assessed in person.
Yes. The EYFS framework applies to all registered childminders in England, including those in Cumbria. You must hold a current full paediatric first aid certificate. If you work alone, there is no colleague to cover for you, so keeping your certificate current is especially important.