EYFS first aid requirements calculator How many paediatric first-aiders your setting needs, and when they must be there.
- Free, no account
- Based on the EYFS framework, September 2026
- Nothing is stored
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EYFS paediatric first aid requirements
The EYFS frameworks in force from 1 September 2026 apply to registered nurseries, pre-schools and childminders in England. Childminders have their own version with the same first-aid rules.
- A full paediatric first-aider on the premises whenever children are there.
- One on every outing.
- One in the room while children eat.
- Staff with a level 2 or 3 qualification gained since 30 June 2016 hold a certificate within 3 months of starting, to count in the ratios.
- Certificates, or a list of holders, on show or available to parents.
- Accidents and first aid recorded, and parents told the same day or as soon as you reasonably can.
How many paediatric first-aiders a nursery needs
The EYFS sets no number. Count the places its rules apply at the same moment, then add a spare for holidays and sickness.
| Where | Paediatric first-aiders |
|---|---|
| Baby room, eating | 1 |
| Toddler room, eating | 1 |
| Group at the park | 1 |
| Spare, for holidays and sickness | 1 |
| To train | 4 |
Full or emergency paediatric first aid course
| About the course | Full | Emergency |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 12 hours or more | 6 hours or more |
| Taught online | Partly. The emergency part is face to face. | No. All face to face. |
| Counts as the paediatric first-aider on site, on outings and at meals | Yes | No |
| Renew | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
Ofsted first aid requirements and what to report
Ofsted has no first aid rules of its own. It inspects against the EYFS, and childminders follow the same rules, for themselves and anyone they leave alone with the children.
Tell Ofsted about any serious accident, illness or injury to a child in your care, or a child’s death, as soon as you reasonably can and within 14 days. Tell local child protection agencies too.