First Aid Training for Primary Schools
The DfE expects every primary school to have trained first aiders ready when minutes matter.
Discover accredited first aid courses designed for primary school staff.
First Aid in Primary Schools UK | Training, Standards & Requirements
Every primary school in the UK has a duty to provide first aid for staff (Department for Education, 2022). The DfE strongly encourages schools to extend that cover to pupils and visitors.
A child falls in the playground. A pupil has an asthma attack.
Someone reacts to a hidden allergen at lunchtime. In every one of these moments, your trained staff make the difference.
Safe Haven Training delivers nationally accredited courses built for real primary school life. Our trainers are NHS professionals and emergency care specialists.
They know what a busy school day looks like PE lessons, lunchtime, assemblies, and school trips.
What Does the DfE Expect from Primary Schools?
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 apply to every employer, including schools.
You must provide enough first aid equipment, facilities and trained people for your staff (Department for Education, 2022).
The DfE strongly recommends extending that cover to pupils and visitors. Most schools do this as standard. In practice, that means:
- Carrying out a first aid needs assessment
- Appointing trained first aiders or an appointed person
- Stocking first aid kits and putting up clear signage
- Keeping a written record of every incident
Headteachers usually lead on first aid arrangements. Day to day responsibility sits across the wider team.
Do Reception Staff Need Paediatric First Aid?
Yes. Reception classes fall under the Early Years Foundation Stage. At least one person with a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on site whenever children are present (Department for Education, 2022).
PFA certificates last three years. The course must follow the criteria in Annex A of the EYFS framework.
There's a catch on staff to child ratios too. Anyone with a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification from 30 June 2016 onwards also needs a PFA certificate to count in those ratios.
Our Blended Paediatric First Aid course covers vast topics including anaphylaxis, CPR, choking, unconscious casualties, seizures and burns. It mixes online learning with one practical day.
It slots neatly into the school timetable
Should Primary Schools Have an AED?
The DfE strongly encourages it. Quick access to a defibrillator can save a life (Department for Education, 2022).
Schools can buy AEDs at a reduced cost through a DfE arrangement. Each school site should have:
- At least one fully stocked first aid kit
- A travelling first aid kit for trips and off site activities
- Clear signage marking first aid points
- An AED that gets checked regularly
Talk to Safe Haven Training about getting your team trained
Is First Aid Part of the Primary School Curriculum?
Yes. All state funded schools in England must teach Health Education. That includes basic first aid for primary pupils (Department for Education, 2022).
At the primary level, the focus is on everyday situations, like dealing with common injuries. Many schools bring in trained first aid professionals to support that teaching.
We shape staff training around your curriculum plans. The same messages then reach pupils, parents and the staff room.
Can First Aid Training Happen at Your Primary School?
Yes. We deliver onsite first aid training at primary schools across the UK. If you'd rather come to us, we have over 80 venues to choose from. Onsite training:
- Fits around the school day, INSET days, twilight sessions or weekends
- Suits the realities of your school environment
- Saves staff time and travel
- Lets your whole team train together
Refrences
1. Department for Education (2022): First aid in schools, early years and further education
2. Department for Education (2022): First aid in schools, early years and colleges
3. Health and Safety Executive (2022): First aid at work: The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
First Aid Courses for Primary Schools
Pick a course based on each role and what your school's first aid needs assessment shows.
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid (Classroom Day + E-Learning)
The 12 hour Blended Paediatric First Aid course is compliant with Ofsted expectations and fully aligned with EYFS guidelines.
- From: £95.00 Per Person
- Course Length: 12 Hours
Choosing the Right First Aid Course for Your Business
Every industry has specific first aid requirements based on risk level, staff numbers and governing body regulations. What is suitable for a low risk office environment may not meet the needs of a construction site, dental practice or nursery setting.
At Safe Haven Training, we deliver fully accredited first aid courses tailored to your sector, whether you operate in construction, healthcare, education, dentistry or childcare. Our training ensures your organisation meets legal requirements while preparing your team for real world emergencies.
