Emergency Paediatric First Aid
Course Overview
Our Emergency Paediatric First Aid training is a full-day, practical course designed for anyone responsible for the care of infants and children. It provides the essential skills and confidence needed to respond to common paediatric emergencies, including breathing difficulties, choking, unconsciousness, bleeding, and allergic reactions.
When a child becomes unwell or injured, the first few minutes matter.
In early years and childcare settings, staff are often the first to respond. Whether it is a choking incident, a seizure, an allergic reaction, or a child becoming unresponsive, knowing what to do and having the confidence to act can make a critical difference.
The EYFS Statutory Framework (effective 1 September 2025) is clear that emergency paediatric first aid training must be delivered face-to-face and last a minimum of six hours, excluding breaks. This course meets that standard exactly, and every session is built around the specific scenarios and risks relevant to the settings where learners actually work.
Important: this course meets the emergency paediatric first aid requirement under Annex A of the EYFS Statutory Framework 2025. It does not replace the full 12-hour Paediatric First Aid qualification required for the designated first aider who must be on the premises at all times when children are present.
If your setting needs a member of staff to fulfil that statutory role, you need our Paediatric First Aid (12-Hour) course. If you are unsure which course applies to your setting, get in touch, and we will tell you honestly before you book anything.
The course is aligned with the EYFS Statutory Framework (effective 1 September 2025), the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, and the Resuscitation Council UK 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines.
Course Details
- Duration: Full day (6 hours)
- Delivery: In-house at your venue of choice
- Certificate: Accredited Emergency Paediatric First Aid certificate
- Awarding organisations: Worksafe, FAIB, Highfield
- Validity: 3 years
- Group size: Up to 12 learners per course
Who the Course Is For
This course is ideal for:
- Early years practitioners and nursery staff
- Childminders and nannies
- School staff working with younger children
- Foster carers and family support workers
- Anyone responsible for the care of infants and children
It is particularly suitable for those who do not require the full Paediatric First Aid (12-hour) qualification, but still need to meet emergency first aid requirements.
Why This Training Matters
The EYFS Statutory Framework (effective 1 September 2025) places clear statutory obligations on providers in relation to paediatric first aid. Paragraph 3.36 requires that at least one person with a current full paediatric first aid certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and must accompany children on outings. That person must hold the full 12-hour qualification consistent with Annex A criteria.
EYFS Compliance: What You Actually Need to Know
The EYFS compliance picture around paediatric first aid is one of the most frequently misunderstood areas in early years provision. Here is what the EYFS Statutory Framework (effective 1 September 2025) actually requires:
The statutory minimum: At least one person with a current full PFA certificate (12-hour course, Annex A criteria) must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present and must accompany children on outings. This person must hold the full 12-hour qualification. The 6-hour emergency course does not meet this specific requirement.
The eating requirement: Whilst children are eating, a member of staff with a valid PFA certificate consistent with Annex A criteria must always be in the room. Given that choking can be silent in young children, this is a critical and often overlooked requirement.
Staff in ratios: All staff who obtained a level 2 or level 3 qualification since 30 June 2016 must obtain a PFA qualification within three months of starting work to be included in the required staff-to-child ratios.
This course: Meets the Annex A emergency PFA criteria (6-hour course). It prepares additional staff for emergency response and supports the eating requirement. It does not replace the full 12-hour qualification for the designated first aider.
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, all employers, including early years providers, must make adequate and appropriate first aid provision. A workforce where more people are trained in emergency paediatric first aid is a safer workforce and a safer setting.
The Ofsted inspection framework places clear emphasis on safeguarding and staff competence, including the ability to respond to medical emergencies.
This course supports:
- Rapid recognition of emergency situations
- Confident and appropriate response
- Safer environments for children
- Stronger safeguarding practice
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Assess emergency situations involving infants and children
- Manage an unresponsive baby or child safely
- Perform paediatric CPR and use recovery positions correctly
- Respond to choking in infants and children
- Control bleeding and manage shock
- Recognise and respond to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
- Understand when and how to seek emergency help
Course Content
This full-day Emergency Paediatric First Aid course covers:
- Roles and responsibilities of a paediatric first aider
- Primary survey and emergency action plans
- Unconsciousness in infants and children
- Paediatric CPR (baby and child)
- Choking management
- Seizures in children
- Bleeding, shock, and burns
- Head injuries and common childhood injuries
- Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
- Record keeping and incident reporting
Training is aligned with guidance from Resuscitation Council UK and current UK best practice.
How the Course Is Delivered
How the Course Is Delivered
This course is delivered face-to-face only, as required by Annex A of the EYFS Statutory Framework 2025. Practical competencies in paediatric first aid cannot be assessed remotely, and we do not attempt to do so.
Sessions are practical, calm, and built around the real situations learners face in early years and childcare settings. There is no pressure, no judgment, and plenty of time for hands-on practice.
Delivery includes:
- Time for questions, because paediatric first aid consistently generates them, and they always deserve a proper answer
- Hands-on CPR practice on infant and child manikins with direct trainer feedback
- Practical choking response practice for both age groups
- Scenario-based learning drawn from real early years and childcare environments
- Individual assessment of practical competencies throughout the day
Certification & Validity
On completion, learners receive an accredited Emergency Paediatric First Aid certificate, valid for 3 years, delivered through Worksafe, FAIB, or Highfield.
The EYFS Statutory Framework recommends that providers consider whether annual refresher training is needed during the three-year certification period to maintain basic skills. Given how quickly CPR technique deteriorates without practice, this is worth building into your CPD calendar.
In-House & Bespoke Training
Every session is built around your setting and the ages of the children you work with.
We regularly deliver for:
- Nurseries and group-based early years providers
- Childminder groups and networks
- School-based early years settings
- After-school and holiday care providers
- Foster care agencies and family support organisations
Content can be adapted to reflect your policies, your escalation procedures, and the specific ages and needs of the children in your care.
Course Location & Service Areas
We deliver in-house training at your workplace or chosen venue, tailored to your needs and schedule. This flexible approach removes the need to send staff off-site for essential learning.
Our experienced trainers deliver courses across Manchester and Greater Manchester, supporting organisations throughout the North West.
We also provide on-site training throughout England, covering major cities, towns, and regions nationwide, including North England, South England, London, and Surrey.
Wherever and however the training is delivered, all sessions are led by experienced Prima Cura Training instructors and meet the same high standards.
FAQs
Does this course meet EYFS requirements?
Yes. This course meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for staff who are not counted within the required paediatric first aider ratios. The EYFS requires providers to ensure that at least one person with a full paediatric first aid qualification is available at all times. However, it is considered good practice for additional staff to have emergency first aid knowledge so they can respond effectively while waiting for a qualified first aider. This course supports a wider level of preparedness across your team.
Is this course Ofsted-approved?
There is no formal Ofsted approval scheme for first aid training providers. What Ofsted assesses is whether your setting meets EYFS requirements, including staff competence, safeguarding and emergency response. This course is designed in line with those expectations and can be used as evidence of appropriate staff training during inspection.
What is the difference between this and the 2-day paediatric first aid course?
The 1-day Emergency Paediatric First Aid course focuses on essential, life-saving skills needed to respond to immediate emergencies such as CPR, choking, seizures and anaphylaxis.
The 2-day Paediatric First Aid course provides a more comprehensive qualification, covering a wider range of conditions, illnesses and injuries, and is required for staff counted within EYFS ratios. Choosing between the two depends on the role and responsibilities of your staff within the setting.
Is this course suitable for school staff as well as early years settings?
Yes. While the course is aligned to EYFS requirements, the skills taught are directly transferable to school environments, particularly for staff working with younger children. It is also relevant for breakfast clubs, after-school provision, sports settings and community groups supporting children.
Can this training be tailored to our setting?
Yes. Training can be adapted to reflect your environment, the age range of children you support, your safeguarding procedures and any specific risks relevant to your setting. This helps ensure the training is meaningful and directly applicable to your team
Related Courses
- Paediatric First Aid (Ofsted & EYFS Compliant) (12 Hour)
- Paediatric & Early Years First Aid (Blended)
- Emergency First Aid at Work
- Emergency First Aid for Schools
Book or Enquire
To book Emergency Paediatric First Aid Training or request a quote for your setting, use the enquiry form on this page or contact us directly. If you are unsure whether this course or the full Paediatric First Aid qualification is the right option, we will help you work that out first.
Our Commitment to Quality and Compliance
At Prima Cura Training, all courses reflect current UK guidance and best practice.
All trainers are experienced professionals with relevant qualifications and ongoing CPD. Because many of the organisations we support work with vulnerable individuals, all trainers hold Enhanced DBS checks.
This course is reviewed against updates from the Department for Education, the Resuscitation Council UK, the Health and Safety Executive, and current UK legislation, including the EYFS Statutory Framework (effective 1 September 2025), the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, and the Childcare Act 2006. All CPR and resuscitation content reflects the Resuscitation Council UK 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines.
You can read more on our Quality Assurance and Compliance page.
Reviewed by Stephanie Austin, Owner and Lead Trainer, Prima Cura Training 25+ years in health and social care | 15+ years as a trainer |Last reviewed: April 2026 | Next review: April 2027
This page is for general guidance only and reflects the EYFS Statutory Framework (effective 1 September 2025), current UK health and safety legislation, and Resuscitation Council UK 2025 guidelines at the date of review. It does not constitute legal advice. This course meets the 6-hour emergency paediatric first aid criteria set out in Annex A of the EYFS Statutory Framework and does not fulfil the statutory requirement for the designated paediatric first aider who must hold a full 12-hour PFA qualification consistent with Annex A criteria. Early years providers remain responsible for ensuring their first aid arrangements comply with the EYFS Statutory Framework, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, and all applicable legislation. Where compliance advice is needed, providers should seek independent guidance.
