Early Years Foundation Stage Framework: Understanding the First Aid Requirements

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework in the UK outlines specific requirements for paediatric first aid (PFA) training. Lets take a look and ensure that your organisation understands and meets the framework legislation.

Understanding the EYFS Framework:

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework is a comprehensive set of standards and guidelines that outlines the statutory requirements for early years providers in the UK. It encompasses all aspects of a child's development, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive learning environment.

One crucial aspect highlighted by the EYFS is the requirement for paediatric first aid (PFA) training. This training is mandatory for organisations or individuals working directly with children in early years settings, including schools, nurseries, and childcare providers. But not all staff need need to be trained. Let us breakdown the EYFS framework recommendations for which staff are required to be PFA trained.

Which staff need to be PFA Trained?

Following a consultation in 2015:

• All newly qualified staff with level 2 or level 3 childcare qualifications are required to have PFA or emergency paediatic first aid (EPFA) training.

• A PFA trained member of staff must be on the premises at all times and able to respond to emergencies.

• New staff will not count towards the staff/child ratios if they are not PFA trained within 6 months of qualification.

• A new voluntary ‘quality mark’ scheme to be introduced.

What is the difference between paediatric first aid (PFA) and emergency paediatric first aid (EPFA) training?

Paediatric First Aid is a comprehensive course designed to provide deeper understanding of first aid for children and infants. This course typically covers:

• Basic life support (CPR for infants and children).

• Recognising and responding to illnesses, injuries, and emergencies such as choking, fractures, head injuries, asthma, and anaphylaxis.

• Managing medical conditions like epilepsy and diabetes.

• Understanding the recovery position and how to monitor an unresponsive child.

Duration: 12 hours of learning. This is often provided as 6 hours online learning and 6 hours practical learning and assessment.

Emergency paediatric first aid (EPFA) is a shorter course focused on the most essential, life-saving techniques. This course typically covers:

• Emergency response and CPR.

• Choking management.

• Dealing with unconsciousness.

• Basic wound care and bleeding control.

Duration: Typically a 1-day course (6 hours of practical training).

Breaking down the staff/child ratios under EYFS?

• For children aged under two:

  • there must be at least one member of staff for every three children

  • at least one member of staff must hold an approved level 3 qualification, and must be suitably experienced in working with children under two

  • at least half of all other staff must hold an approved level 2 qualification

  • at least half of all staff must have received training that specifically addresses the care of babies

  • where there is a room for under two-year-olds, the member of staff in charge of that room must, in the judgement of the provider, have suitable experience of working with under twos

• For children aged two:

  • there must be at least one member of staff for every five children

  • at least one member of staff must hold an approved level 3 qualification

  • at least half of all other staff must hold an approved level 2 qualification

• For children aged three and over in registered early years provision where a person with Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Professional Status, Early Years Teacher Status or another approved level 6 qualification, is working directly with the children

  • there must be at least one member of staff for every 13 children

  • at least one other member of staff must hold an approved level 3 qualification

• For children aged three and over at any time in registered early years provision when a person with Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Professional Status, Early Years Teacher Status or another approved level 6 qualification is not working directly with the children

  • there must be at least one member of staff for every eight children

  • at least one member of staff must hold an approved level 3 qualification

  • at least half of all other staff must hold an approved level 2 qualification

• What “Quality Marks” are available?

  • Millie’s Mark - This is an accreditation awarded to childcare providers who manage to achieve 100% of staff as PFA trained.

  • In Safe Hands Award - This is an accreditation awarded to childcare providers must achieve a MINIMUM of 35% of staff trained in PFA & 35% of staff trained in emergency PFA.

• How can I become PFA trained? First Steps First Aid offer PFA and EPFA training. Our paramedic instructors deliver engaging, affordable training for any individuals or organisations looking for quality training. Our concise courses, tailored to educators' needs, deliver everything educators need to meet the EYFS legislation and feel confident as paediatric first aiders. Flexible scheduling accommodates busy teachers and school staff.

• How can First Steps First Aid help my School or childcare organisation? At First Steps First Aid, we prioritise flexibility in delivering expert Paediatric First Aid training to schools. Our experienced paramedics conduct on-site training or open public courses for individual members to join who need to maintain their compliance.