EYFS 2025 Updates: Essential Paediatric First Aid for Early Years Providers

 

Note: The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2025 framework has introduced significant updates for early years providers across the UK. These updates impact nurseries, schools, childminders, and any early years setting, especially regarding Paediatric First Aid (PFA) qualifications, safeguarding, training, and the safety of premises.

 

At Safe Haven Training, we provide accredited paediatric first aid courses including practical training nationwide, helping early years providers comply with the latest EYFS requirements while equipping staff with essential skills to keep children safe.

Whether you’re an early years practitioner, school leader, or teacher, this short video provides practical, life-saving guidance that you can put into action immediately

 

 

This video is a sneak peek into our fully certified e-learning program, trusted by schools and nurseries across the UK.

 

Enroll in our Blended Paediatric First Aid Course today and build the confidence to respond effectively in emergencies involving babies and children. Enjoy the flexibility of online learning paired with practical, hands-on training

 

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Discover in our blog why First Aid is vital in schools across the UK and what every teacher and school leader needs to know.
 

Why EYFS 2025 Updates Matter

The EYFS 2025 changes place clear responsibility on early years providers to ensure:
 

• Staff have up-to-date Paediatric First Aid (PFA) qualifications.
• Practitioners are trained in safeguarding, child protection, and emergency response.
• Premises, environments, and practices are safe, suitable, and inclusive.
• Children receive consistent care that supports their learning, development, and wellbeing.

 

Failing to meet these standards can affect Ofsted inspections, staffing ratios, and the overall safety of children in your care.

Paediatric First Aid Requirements

One of the most critical updates in EYFS 2025 concerns Paediatric First Aid (PFA):
 

Mandatory Presence: At least one person with a current PFA certificate must be on-site at all times and must accompany children on outings.

Staff Qualifications: Staff who obtained Level 2 or Level 3 childcare qualifications since 30 June 2016 must gain a PFA certificate within three months of starting work to count in staff-to-child ratios. Staff who followed experience-based routes must also obtain a PFA certificate.

Course Standards: The full PFA course lasts a minimum of 12 hours and includes topics such as:
 

• Helping a baby/child who is unresponsive or not breathing.
• Choking and anaphylaxis management.
• Burns, scalds, and electric shock.
• Head, neck, and back injuries.
• Poisoning and foreign body injuries.
• Diabetic emergencies, asthma attacks, and febrile convulsions.

Renewal: PFA certificates must be renewed every three years, with optional refresher training to maintain skills and awareness of procedural updates.

At Safe Haven Training, we offer 12-hour full PFA courses, 6-hour emergency courses, and refresher options, delivered nationwide and fully compliant with HSE, EYFS, and Ofsted standards.
 

Training, Qualifications, and Staff Support

EYFS 2025 emphasises that well-trained and supported staff are essential for child safety and development:

Equality and Inclusion: Providers must follow the Equality Act 2010, treating all staff fairly regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics.

Safeguarding Training: All staff must be trained according to Annex C of EYFS and supported by the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Training must be renewed every two years, with optional annual refreshers.

Induction Training: New staff should be inducted in:
 

• Emergency procedures.
• Safeguarding and child protection.
• Health and safety.
   

Supervision and Continuous Development: Regular supervision sessions allow staff to:
 

• Discuss concerns regarding children’s wellbeing or development.
• Receive coaching to improve personal effectiveness.
• Participate in professional development and skills refreshers.

 

Safety and Suitability of Premises

EYFS 2025 mandates that early years providers ensure their premises are safe, suitable, and well-maintained:

Accident and First Aid Readiness: A fully equipped first aid box must be accessible, with detailed records of accidents shared with parents.

Fire and Emergency Safety: Providers must have emergency evacuation procedures, fire alarms, and safety equipment in place.
 

Indoor Space Requirements:
 

• Children under 2 years: 3.5m² per child.
• Children aged 2: 2.5m² per child.
• Children aged 3–5: 2.3m² per child.

Outdoor Access: Daily outdoor play must be provided, or if not possible, ensure indoor activities meet EYFS requirements.

Sleeping Arrangements: Babies must be checked frequently, with safe cots and bedding aligned with SIDS guidance.

Toilets and Hygiene: Adequate facilities for children and staff, with safe and hygienic changing areas.

 

Record-Keeping and Confidentiality

Accurate record-keeping is essential under EYFS 2025:
 

• Maintain child records: name, DOB, parental contacts, emergency contacts, allergies, and special needs.
• Keep staff records: training, PFA certification, and safeguarding updates.
• Enable two-way communication with parents and share policies, routines, and complaint procedures.
• Protect sensitive information under the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR regulations.
   

Risk Assessment and Safety on Outings

 

• Providers are legally required to: Conduct risk assessments for all activities and outings.
• Identify hazards and implement safety measures. Ensure vehicles and drivers are insured.
• Maintain staff-to-child ratios based on risk assessment outcomes.

 

Why Choose Safe Haven Training?

At Safe Haven Training, we specialise in nationwide Paediatric First Aid and early years training:



✅Accredited courses: FAIB, Ofqual, EYFS, and Ofsted compliant.
✅Flexible delivery: face-to-face, blended learning, and online options.
✅Experienced trainers with real-world childcare expertise.
✅Courses cover: Full 12-hour Paediatric First Aid, 6-hour emergency First Aid, and First Aid Requalification Course.

Ensure EYFS 2025 compliance and improve staff confidence, skills, and child safety.

Book Your Paediatric First Aid Course Today

Don’t wait to ensure your early years setting is compliant with the latest EYFS 2025 framework.

Contact Safe Haven Training today to book your Paediatric First Aid course and take the first step toward safer, more confident childcare.
 

Source

GOV.UK: EFYS Satuary Framework