Regulations for First Aid in Schools Lloyd Langford Expedition Training

From conversing with numerous teachers over the last couple of years, it seems there is considerable confusion amongst teaching staff as to the regulations for nurseries, schools and colleges concerning the provision of first aid, therefore we have decided to piece together a guide to help alleviate confusion and provide clarity for your establishment.

To begin with schools and nurseries need to be fully compliant with both the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and Ofsted EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) requirements (or the equivalent criteria if establishment is not subject to Ofsted approval).

HSE (Health and Safety Executive) Regulations

Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1989

In accordance with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1989, all employers are legally responsible for providing 'adequate and appropriate' equipment and facilities to their employees that allows for immediate first aid to be performed should an accident, illness, or injury occur in the workplace. What you will need to meet these conditions, for example, if trained first aiders are needed on-site, is based on the individual needs of a workplace, as assessed by the employer. These regulations apply to schools as they would any other workplace.

Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

This act covers an employer's legal responsibility to ensure, as much as possible, the health and safety of those not employed such as pupils within a school. It is similar to the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1989, as it requires the employer to assess the workplace and provide the necessary first aid equipment and facilities.

In summary, for legal purposes, an employer must be able to prove that they have supplied their workplace with the appropriate first aid provisions for their establishment that protects both employees and other members of the public.

From the HSE perspective, there should be at least one person available at all times (per 50 employees) who is trained with an HSE qualification. For up to 50 employees this can be a one-day EFAW qualification (ideally tailored to schools) through the syllabus). For more than 50 employees you should have 3-day FAW qualifications with EFAW staff supporting them.

Whether it be the position and naturally cautious attitude of a national trainer or an outdoor leader, our general position is that these regulations are a little too slim for comfort and that a greater first aid presence within an organisation, be it a local business or a school should be higher.

For more information on first aiders in schools, click here.

EYFS and OFSTED Regulations

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) require establishments to have at least one member of staff, who is fully qualified in paediatric first aid, present on-site and available at all times. Cover for sickness, holidays, and trips must be included. To be classed as fully qualified, staff must complete a 12-hour paediatric first aid course. Qualified staff can be supported by other staff members that are trained in emergency paediatric first aid (one-day course).

The 12-hour paediatric first aid qualification can be a full 2 days in the classroom or a blended option with 6 hours pre-learning online and 6 hours as a practical course.

It is a good idea to upskill as many additional staff members as possible with further qualifications to ensure a trained member of staff is on-site at all times to meet these regulations.

Millie's Mark

Millie’s Trust was established by the parents of Millie Thompson, Joanne and Dan Thompson, after the tragic loss of their daughter whilst she was at nursery. Since then, they have campaigned to raise the standard of first aid in childcare settings and have been successful in their efforts.

Millie’s Mark is a special endorsement awarded by the trust to establishments that have gone above and beyond the minimum requirements outlined in the EYFS guidelines. This is achieved by having 100% of staff trained in paediatric first aid, and ensuring that the knowledge gained from their training is at the forefront of their minds.

The aim of Millie’s Mark is to encourage childcare settings to prioritise children's safety and minimise risks. When your establishment receives Millie’s Mark, it reassures parents that their child is under the care of practitioners that will be able to deliver swift and effective paediatric first aid should an accident or injury occur.

Millie’s Mark is awarded to nurseries where all staff members who work with children are qualified in paediatric first aid and have well-deployed first aid processes. The process takes three to six months and involves intensive support from an NDNA mentor, completion of an audit, risk assessment and spot checks. All nurseries with Millie’s Mark have their own individual policies and procedures in exemplary practice.

For more information about Millie's Trust, click here.