First Aid Training for Schools: What the Law Requires

Schools carry a heavier first aid responsibility than most workplaces. They are employers, they are responsible for children, and they are subject to specific guidance on top of general health and safety law. For bursars, business managers and headteachers in London, here is what the law actually requires and how to meet it without fuss.

The legal baseline: schools are employers too

Like any employer, schools must comply with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, which require adequate and appropriate first aid provision for staff. That means trained first aiders, a suitable first aid kit, and an appointed person to manage arrangements.

But schools also have a duty of care to pupils. While the 1981 Regulations technically cover employees, the Department for Education and the Health and Safety Executive expect schools to consider pupils, visitors and the specific risks of a school environment in their first aid needs assessment.

Early years: the EYFS paediatric requirement

If your setting includes early years provision, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework adds a specific requirement: there must be at least one person with a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and on outings. Newly qualified early years staff with relevant qualifications must also hold PFA within a set period of starting.

This is a hard requirement, not a recommendation, so nurseries and primary schools with early years classes should treat paediatric first aid cover as essential.

How many first aiders does a school need?

There is no fixed ratio in law. Your first aid needs assessment should account for:

• The number of staff, pupils and visitors on site.
• The size and layout of the school, including separate buildings and outdoor areas.
• Higher-risk activities such as science, design technology, PE and trips.
• Before and after-school clubs and lettings.

In practice, most schools need several trained first aiders spread across the site and the timetable, plus paediatric cover for early years. Spreading training across teaching and support staff means you are never reliant on one person.

Which courses do school staff need?

A typical London school mixes:

• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), a 1-day course, for general staff who need core emergency skills.
• First Aid at Work (FAW), a 3-day course, for designated first aiders who take the lead.
• Paediatric First Aid (PFA) for early years staff to meet EYFS.

Your needs assessment determines the mix. We are happy to advise based on your phase and setting.

On-site training is ideal for schools

Sending staff out for training is disruptive and expensive when cover is already tight. On-site training works far better for schools:

• We come to you, during an INSET day or a quieter period.
• Up to 12 staff are trained together in one session.
• There is no supply cover needed for travel time.
• The training reflects a school environment.

Arrange your school's first aid training

Amber Training delivers accredited EFAW and FAW courses on-site to schools across London and Enfield, with confirmation and an invoice within 24 hours and no payment needed to book. We work around your INSET days and term calendar.

Request a free quote, read about the EFAW course and FAW course, or call +44 7763 658885 and we will help you plan cover across your site.

This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Always base your provision on your own first aid needs assessment and current DfE and EYFS guidance.