Paediatric & Early Years Ofsted Compliant (Blended)

Paediatric & Early Years Ofsted Compliant (Blended)

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Course Overview

Under the EYFS Statutory Framework (effective 1 September 2025), at least one person holding a 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 qualification consistent with the 12-hour Annex A criteria. Not an awareness course. Not a half-day emergency session. The full qualification.

For many early years settings, the challenge is not whether staff need that qualification. It is finding a delivery format that does not require pulling two members of staff out of the ratio for two consecutive full days.

The Paediatric First Aid Blended course solves that. It delivers the full 12-hour qualification through six hours of structured online theory, completed at each learner’s own pace, followed by a full day of face-to-face practical training and competency assessment. The qualification is identical to the two-day classroom course. The route is more flexible. And because learners arrive at the practical day having already covered the theory, the entire face-to-face session can be devoted to hands-on practice, scenario work, and the skills that are hardest to build without a trainer in the room.

Case Study: A Greater Manchester Nursery Preparing for Ofsted Inspection

A nursery in Greater Manchester, preparing for an Ofsted inspection, used exactly this approach. Staff had identified gaps in their confidence around CPR and choking response in infants. Using the blended route, each staff member completed the online element individually before attending a focused practical session together. More time was available for hands-on scenarios because theory did not need to be covered in the room. Following training, the setting achieved full paediatric first aid coverage across all sessions, staff reported significantly increased confidence in responding to emergencies, and management were able to clearly evidence training and competency for inspection. The outcome was not just compliance but staff who felt ready to act without hesitation.

This course meets the full 12-hour Annex A criteria of the EYFS Statutory Framework (effective 1 September 2025) and satisfies the statutory requirement for the designated first aider who must hold a full PFA qualification. It reflects the Resuscitation Council UK 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines.

For the fully classroom-based option, see our Paediatric First Aid (2 Day) course. For the 6-hour emergency course that meets the emergency PFA criteria but does not fulfil the full statutory requirement, see our Emergency Paediatric First Aid or EFAW for Schools course.

Course Details

• Duration: 6 hours online theory, completed before attending, plus 1 full day face-to-face practical training and assessment (12 hours total)
• Delivery: Blended. Online theory via a learning platform, face-to-face practical at your venue
• Certificate: Accredited full Paediatric First Aid certificate, meeting the 12-hour Annex A criteria of the EYFS Statutory Framework 2025
• Awarding organisations: Worksafe, FAIB.
• Validity: 3 years. Annual refresher strongly recommended
• Group size: Up to 12 learners per trainer

Who This Course Is For

This course is right for anyone working with infants and children who must meet the full EYFS PFA qualification requirement, including:

• Nursery practitioners and early years educators
• Childminders and childminding assistants
• Pre-school and playgroup staff
• Nannies and private childcare providers
• School staff working with children in early years provision
• Foster carers and staff supporting children in care settings
• Any staff member who must be included in EYFS staff-to-child ratios and is required to hold a full PFA qualification

Why Paediatric & Early Years Training Matters

The EYFS Statutory Framework (effective 1 September 2025) places four specific obligations on early years providers in relation to paediatric first aid that every setting must understand.

Paragraph 3.36 requires that at least one person with a current full PFA certificate consistent with the Annex A criteria must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and must accompany children on outings. This is the statutory minimum. It requires the full 12-hour qualification. The 6-hour emergency course does not fulfil this requirement.

Paragraph 3.38 requires that 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 means new starters with recent qualifications cannot be counted in ratios until they hold this certificate.

Paragraph 3.63 requires that 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 in young children can be completely silent, this requirement reflects a real and serious clinical risk that unprepared staff may not recognise in time.

The Resuscitation Council UK 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines reflect the most current evidence on paediatric basic life support and emergency first aid. Every element of this course is built around them. All CPR and resuscitation content is current, evidence-based, and assessed in the face-to-face session.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 place a duty on all employers to make adequate first aid provision. For early years providers, this obligation is layered with the EYFS statutory requirements to create a comprehensive legal framework that this qualification directly supports.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Assess an emergency situation involving an infant or child and prioritise appropriate action in line with Resuscitation Council UK 2025 guidelines
• Perform CPR on infants and children to the current standard, including correct rate, depth, and compression-to-breath ratio for each age group
• Use an Automated External Defibrillator safely and confidently with infants and children
• Respond effectively to choking in infants and children, including back blows and age-appropriate techniques
• Recognise and manage an unresponsive baby or child, including airway management and the recovery position
• Respond to anaphylaxis and allergic reactions in infants and children
• Recognise and respond to seizures and febrile convulsions
• Manage asthma attacks and breathing difficulties in children
• Provide first aid for bleeding, burns, scalds, and shock
• Manage head injuries, suspected fractures, and soft tissue injuries
• Recognise signs of serious illness in infants and children and know when to call 999
• Understand their recording, reporting, and escalation responsibilities as a paediatric first aider

Course Content

Online theory module (completed before attending):

• The role and responsibilities of a paediatric first aider
• Assessing emergency situations: the primary survey for infants and children
• CPR theory: what happens during cardiac arrest and how basic life support works
• Common childhood conditions, illnesses, and medical emergencies
• Anaphylaxis awareness: recognising and understanding severe allergic reactions
• Legal responsibilities, recording, and reporting requirements
• Knowledge checks throughout the online module

Face-to-face practical session (full day):

• Infant and child CPR: hands-on practice on infant and child manikins with direct trainer feedback
• AED use with infants and children
• Choking in infants and children: back blows and age-appropriate response techniques
• Unresponsive infant or child: airway management and recovery position
• Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions
• Seizures and febrile convulsions
• Asthma and breathing difficulties
• Bleeding, burns, scalds, and shock
• Head injuries, fractures, and soft tissue injuries
• Recognising serious illness
• Scenario-based casualty simulations covering real early years emergencies
• Continuous practical competency assessment throughout the day

How the Course Is Delivered

Step 1: Online theory Learners access the online module through our learning platform and complete six hours of theory at their own pace, including knowledge checks throughout. Completion of the online element is mandatory before attending the face-to-face session. This is not optional. Learners who have not completed the online module will not be admitted to the practical day.

Step 2: Face-to-face practical training A full day of instructor-led, practical, scenario-based training and assessment delivered at your workplace or chosen venue. Because theory has been completed in advance, the entire day is devoted to hands-on practice, scenario work, and competency assessment. Every learner practices CPR on infant and child manikins, as required by Annex A of the EYFS Statutory Framework, and is assessed throughout the day by a qualified instructor.

Step 3: Assessment and certification. Practical competency is assessed continuously throughout the face-to-face day. Learners who successfully complete both elements receive an accredited full Paediatric First Aid certificate valid for 3 years.

Groups are capped at 12 per trainer to ensure every learner receives sufficient hands-on practice time and individual feedback.

Certification and Validity

On successful completion of both the online and face-to-face elements, learners receive an accredited full Paediatric First Aid certificate valid for 3 years, delivered through Worksafe or FAIB. Nuco is available on request.

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, building annual refreshers into the setting’s CPD calendar is strongly recommended.

In-House and Bespoke Training

We adapt every session to your setting, your safeguarding procedures, and the ages of children you care for.

We can tailor content and delivery to include:

• Your internal incident recording and reporting procedures
• Your safeguarding policies and escalation routes
• Scenarios drawn from the specific age range and care environment in your setting
• Scheduling to suit your operational requirements, including working around ratios and shift patterns
• Combined delivery with Emergency Paediatric First Aid for settings wanting to train their full team at different qualification levels

Course Location and Service Areas

We deliver in-house training at your workplace or chosen venue across Manchester, Greater Manchester, and the wider North West. We also deliver nationally across England, including North England, South England, London, and Surrey.

For schools and early years settings across Greater Manchester and the North West, we offer a dedicated first aid training programme. Visit our First Aid Training for Schools in Greater Manchester and the North West page for full details.

All sessions are led by experienced Prima Cura Training instructors. Every trainer holds an Enhanced DBS certificate.

FAQs

Related Courses

• 2 Day Paediatric First Aid (Ofsted & EYFS Compliant)
• Emergency Paediatric First Aid (1 Day)
• Basic Life Support and AED Training
• Emergency First Aid for Schools
• First Aid Training for Schools — Greater Manchester and North West

Book or Enquire

To book Paediatric First Aid Blended Training or request a quote for your setting, use the enquiry form on this page or contact us directly. If you are unsure whether the blended or two-day classroom course is the better fit for your team, or whether this course or the emergency course is appropriate for your setting, get in touch, and we will help you work it out before you commit.

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, 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 blended course meets the full 12-hour Paediatric First Aid qualification criteria set out in Annex A of the EYFS Statutory Framework 2025 and satisfies the statutory requirement for the designated first aider who must hold a full PFA qualification consistent with those criteria. Both the online and face-to-face elements must be completed for the qualification to be awarded. 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.

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