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Course overview

Candidates who successfully complete this course will be qualified to act as workplace first aiders. Based on a needs assessment, this Emergency First Aid at Work course may be more appropriate for low-risk work environments. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 (Appendix 6 – Content of an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Course) are met by this course.

Please keep in mind that the Emergency First Aid at Work course is unit 1 and day 1 of the 3-day First Aid at Work course. It includes training relevant to a school setting in addition to the standard Emergency First Aid at Work course.

Successful candidates will be awarded the Emergency First Aid at Work Including Paediatric Element certificate, which is valid for three years.

Time allotted

7 hours training & assessment

Maximum number of participants

Group size is 12 candidates per trainer/assessor.

Course Certification

The First Aid Industry Body (FAIB) has accredited this course in accordance with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods include activities, test papers, and practical assessments.

Course Content

Our school’s first aid courses cover automated external defibrillator (AED) safe use, according to safe-use guidelines established by the Resuscitation Council (UK). Students learn how to take action during an emergency, conduct primary surveys (to ensure their own safety), and complete secondary surveys. They also learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and deal with a range of common respiratory problems.

School first aid courses also cover a range of additional items. These include:

  • IDENTIFYING THE SIGNS OF COMMON ILLNESSES
  • BASIC BANDAGING AND WOUND CLEANSING
  • DEALING WITH HYPOTHERMIA
  • MANAGING BURNS, BUG BITES AND POISONINGS
  • IDENTIFYING AND RESPONDING TO BREATHING ISSUES
  • IDENTIFYING SHOCK
  • BRUISES
  • FIRST RESPONDERS
  • HEAD & SPINE INJURY
  • RESCUE,
  • SPLINT
  • TOURNIQUET

Need a different course? View all of our first aid qualifications.

For group bookings, we can deliver this course in-house at your school.

first aid for schools

How many school staff should be first aid trained?

While the above are minimum requirements, you’ll notice that they do not require anyone on-site to be first aid trained. However, the UK government does require all state-funded schools in England to teach Health Education. Furthermore, as employers, schools must provide immediate first-aid to everyone on their payroll.

The National Education Union recommends that all schools have the following:

  1. One member of staff who is a qualified first-aider
  2. One member of staff who coordinates first aid matters

In some situations, though, this arrangement may be impractical. The National Education Union, for instance, suggests that schools provide at least one first-aider on school trips, implying that they require at least two to cover their statutory duties.

Additionally, the HSE divides workplaces (including schools), into lower, medium, and higher risk categories. Lower-risk workplaces only need an appointed person to take charge of healthcare arrangements. However, higher-risk workplaces, including educational institutions, need at least one first-aider, and often more. The HSE states that “there are no hard and fast rules on how many first aiders you should have. It depends on the nature of your work and its location.”

first aid course demonstration

Do schools need to cover first aid training for babies?

Early-year schools need to have at least one person on-site who is a paediatric first aider at all times when children are present. Nurseries and daycare centres that look after very young children require on-site first aiders to register with Ofsted. Full paediatric first aiders are able to:

  • HELP A BABY OR CHILD WHO ISN’T BREATHING OR IS OTHERWISE UNRESPONSIVE
  • HELP A BABY OR CHILD EXPERIENCING ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK
  • HELP A BABY OR CHILD WITH A SUSPECTED FRACTURE
  • HELP A BABY OR CHILD WITH A FOREIGN BODY IN THE EYES, EARS, OR NOSE
  • HELP A BABY OR CHILD WITH AN EYE INJURY
  • HELP A BABY OR CHILD WITH HEAD, NECK, OR BACK INJURIES
  • HELP A BABY OR CHILD WITH BURNS OR SCALDS
  • HELP A BABY OR CHILD WITH AN INSECT BITE OR STING
  • HELP A BABY OR CHILD SUFFERING FROM THE EFFECTS OF EXTREME COLD OR HEAT
  • HELP A BABY OR CHILD IN THE EVENT OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY RELATED TO AN UNDERLYING CONDITION, SUCH AS DIABETES, ASTHMA, OR MENINGITIS

Primary and secondary schools only require first-aiders trained in general first aid principles suitable for their employees and pupils (who usually aren’t babies). Paediatric first aid courses cover both children and babies as standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for first aid in schools?

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations (1981) apply to employers and require businesses to provide adequate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure that employees have access to immediate medical attention if they are taken sick.

Schools do not employ students and pupils, so they do not fall under the regulations. However, they do employ staff. Therefore, the UK government strongly recommends that all schools make first-aid available to everyone on-site, regardless of legal status.

Headteachers and principals are usually ultimately responsible for the health and safety of everyone under their authority, whether on-site or engaged in school-related work off-site.

What is the minimum provision of first aid for schools?

At a minimum, school first aid provisions must include:

A suitable cabinet stocked with the HSE’s minimum requirements, according to the first aid needs assessment. The HSE recommends leaflets giving general first-aid advice, twenty individually-wrapped sterile adhesive dressings, three pairs of disposable gloves, two large sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings, six safety pins, two individually wrapped triangular bandages, and two sterile eye pads.

A person appointed to take charge of first aid arrangements when a situation occurs with responsibilities including calling the emergency services and contacting parents.

Detailed information that informs staff about who the designated first aid coordinator is, where first aid equipment is located, and the facilities available.

How can i make sure my school is compliant with first aid regulations?

Consider the following steps to ensure your UK school is in compliance with first aid regulations:

People: Assign someone to be in charge of first aid, and ensure that all employees are aware of their role and the procedures in place.
Courses in training: Staff should receive regular training in basic first aid, including the recovery position, adult CPR, and mental health first aid.

Number: Make sure you have an adequate number of qualified first responders on hand, taking into account the size of your school and the risks.

Level: Consider providing advanced first aid training for specific roles, such as designated first aiders.
Follow HSE guidance on first aid at work, including first aid kit content, signage, and training requirements.

Keep first aid training up to date with regular refresher training, and make sure it covers your school's specific needs, such as dealing with school-aged children.

Consider working with Skills Training Group or another recognised training provider to ensure you meet the required standards.

Display the HSE-approved first aid logo prominently to inform visitors and others that your organisation has a first aid policy in place.

Updates: Review and update your first aid procedures and training on a regular basis to keep up with changes in legislation and best practises.

Wellbeing: Ensure that first aid is viewed as an important part of your school's overall health and safety culture.

Highlight the benefits of first aid, such as improved staff wellbeing and confidence, as well as reduced risks to the school.

How long are certificates valid for?

First aid certificates are usually valid for three years. Therefore, schools should arrange regular retraining of staff before they expire. If a first aider’s certificate expires, they will need to undergo a full course once more. Expert panels recommend that first aiders take yearly refreshers to maintain basic skills.