What are the UK Laws For First Aid Training In Schools?

02 February, 2021

In the UK, there are specific laws and guidelines regarding first aid training in schools to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors.

These laws are set to help schools provide adequate first aid facilities and trained personnel. The key laws and guidelines are as follows:

Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981:

Requirement for First Aid Provision: Under these regulations, all employers, including schools, must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure employees and anyone on the premises receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill.
Risk Assessment: Schools are required to conduct a risk assessment to determine their specific first aid needs based on factors such as the size of the school, the number of staff and students, and potential hazards.
First Aid Personnel: Schools must ensure that they have a sufficient number of trained first-aiders. This includes ensuring staff members are trained and can provide first aid when necessary.
First Aid Kits: Schools must provide adequate first aid kits throughout the premises, especially in high-risk areas like science labs or workshops.

Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2014:

Independent schools must ensure that suitable first-aid procedures are in place. This includes keeping written records of accidents, injuries, and illnesses, and ensuring that first aid training is provided to staff.

Department for Education (DfE) Guidelines:

First Aid in Schools (Guidance): The DfE provides non-statutory guidance for schools, covering best practices related to first aid. Although not legally binding, these guidelines encourage schools to have at least one person trained in first aid at all times when children are present.
First Aid for Early Years: For schools that cater to children aged 0-5 (such as nurseries or reception classes). There is a specific legal requirement under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for at least one person to hold a valid paediatric first aid certificate.

First Aid Training for Students:

In 2020, the UK government made it compulsory for first aid to be taught as part of the national curriculum. In England, students are taught basic first aid skills and life-saving techniques, including how to perform CPR. This falls under the broader health education curriculum in primary and secondary schools.

Ofsted and First Aid:

Schools are also monitored by Ofsted in terms of safeguarding practices, which include first aid provisions. A lack of appropriate first aid measures could negatively impact a school’s rating during inspections.

Training Requirements for Staff:

First Aid at Work (FAW) Course: Staff in schools, particularly those in leadership or administrative roles, may be required to take this course. It provides comprehensive first-aid training and is suitable for higher-risk environments.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Course: This 1-day course covers basic first aid, including CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Many schools train multiple staff members through this course.
Paediatric First Aid: For staff working with younger children (EYFS), this is mandatory and focuses specifically on providing first aid to children and infants.

Record Keeping:

Schools must keep a written record of any accidents, injuries, and first aid treatment given, as required under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013.

TLDR: The Laws at a Glance…

UK schools must comply with legal requirements to have trained first aid personnel, accessible first aid kits, and proper first aid procedures in place.

Schools are also encouraged to teach students basic first aid as part of their education, and staff must undergo first aid training appropriate to the student’s age and the risks involved.

UK laws require schools to have adequate first aid provisions, including trained staff, first aid kits, and proper procedures to handle accidents and illnesses.

Schools must assess their specific first aid needs and ensure staff receive appropriate training, such as First Aid at Work or Paediatric First Aid for younger children.

Since 2020, first aid education, including CPR, is also part of the national curriculum for students. Schools must maintain records of accidents and injuries, and agencies like Ofsted monitor compliance.

If you’re unsure if your school or early years setting is fully compliant and wish to book a course, please feel free to contact the Safe And Sound Training team.