An air-tight first aid provision in your nursery is essential for pupil safety and legal compliance. When your nursery is safe, your children feel confident enough to explore, and parents are reassured that their little ones are in the best hands.
For this ultimate guide, we have collated all the required information from the EYFS Framework, Ofsted’s information on first aid expectations and statutory requirements from schools to create a list of 16 EYFS First aid requirements for 2025.
We’ve included some good practice snippets in the first aid guidance for schools because you’ll be hard-pressed to find any that don’t apply to your nursery setting.
EYFS First aid requirements for 2025
1. Nursery owner requirements
Nursery owners must provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure the health and safety of their employees under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
However, it’s essential to recognise that children, while not classified as employees, must also be included in these plans.
First aid arrangements should be tailored to include young children, given their unique needs, such as their size, vulnerabilities, and developmental stage.
2. On- and off-site first aid provision
First aid must always be available for children in early years settings, including during offsite activities such as educational visits.

The EYFS statutory framework emphasises that nursery managers and practitioners must plan ahead to ensure that at least one person with a current paediatric first aid qualification accompanies children on all outings – more on this in the training section!
This preparation includes carrying a fully stocked portable first aid kit suitable for young children, assessing potential risks in advance, and having clear communication and emergency response plans in place.
3. Child welfare first
There are clear guidelines for the Paediatric First Aid (PFA) training required in the early years. However, there may be times when a child requires basic first aid and medical attention, and the person caring for the child is not PFA-trained.
The guidance given to teachers in this situation emphasises that the child’s welfare comes first. Practitioners should act as they would caring for their own child.
It’s important to note that the guidance for schools (including nursery classes) states, “Any member of school staff may be asked to undertake first aid tasks, but they cannot be required to do so.”
It is fair to assume the same expectations may fall to practitioners, but it also explains that teachers don’t have to undertake simple first aid tasks.
4. Health and safety policy
A health and safety policy is among the statutory required policies for nurseries. It is essential that practitioners are familiar with the policy and know how to implement it confidently and effectively (this is where we recommend scenario-based CPD training sessions).

As Health and safety in early years is a broad area, your EYFS health and safety policy will include a dedicated first aid policy that outlines the clear procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children, staff and parents.
Your first aid policy should cover essentials like:
- Qualifications and responsibilities of first aiders
- Procedures for handling accidents and illnesses (including infectious disease management)
- The location and contents of first aid kits
- Procedures for administering medication
- Guidance on recording and reporting EYFS incidents
- Risk assessment processes (including first aid needs assessments)
- Emergency procedures on and offsite
- Staff training CPD plans
5. Early years first aider
Schools must have a designated first aider to oversee arrangements and the provision itself (including the stocking of first aid kits). This is not a statutory requirement for nurseries but is good practice.
Depending on the size of your childcare setting, a designated first aider may not be needed. In small and medium-sized nurseries, it will likely be on the nursery manager or deputy’s task list.

Schools must have a designated first aider to oversee arrangements and the provision itself (including the stocking of first aid kits). This is not a statutory requirement for nurseries but is good practice.
Depending on the size of your childcare setting, a designated first aider may not be needed. In small and medium-sized nurseries, it will likely be on the nursery manager or deputy’s task list.
However, it can be an ideal responsibility for a practitioner showing nursery leadership potential in a larger setting.
6. Paediatric First Aid Training
"At least one person who has a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present and must accompany children on outings."
Regulatory Policy Committee, gov.uk
Your nursery staff must renew their PFA training every 3 years to be counted in child:adult ratios. It’s recommended refresher training and CPD is delivered within the 3 years, either through staff meetings or by an appropriate provider.
EYFS paediatric first aid courses teach different content than first aid in the workplace or emergency first aid training courses. The PFA training covers safety procedures specific to infants and babies that the other courses do not – child resuscitation is not covered in a ‘standard’ first aid course.
You must be able to access copies of and information about each PFA qualification your staff has achieved. Staff qualification logs should be stored safely and regularly monitored to ensure the qualification is renewed on time.
We also know Ofsted will likely look at the mandatory training your practitioners receive during their visit. Having access to staff profiles through your nursery management software means all health and safety training and qualifications are on hand.
Knowing where your nursery team are throughout the day can help ensure there are enough PFA-trained staff spread evenly around the premises. Access to a staff register with real-time movements is a must for many nurseries.

Who should be PFA trained?
At least one qualified first aider should be available at all times during the nursery day (including offsite educational visits and walks).
If a practitioner qualified for their Level 2 or 3 after June 2016, they cannot be included in child:adult ratios unless they have a current PFA qualification. They have 3 months from their start date at your nursery to get their PFA certificate.
7. A suitable PFA provider
The EYFS framework outlines what is deemed a ‘suitable provider’ for the PFA qualification. It is regulated to ensure each nursery has the same high standard of training and the most up-to-date information on best practices.
When choosing a provider to deliver the PFA course to your team, you’ll need to ensure they are:
- An accredited training company
- Experienced in delivering PFA
- Running the course face-to-face
- Providing a course designed for practitioners caring for young children
- Using infant resuscitation equipment to practice on
- Covering the elements set out in Annex A of the EYFS framework (page 43)

8. 2025 first aid training changes
The EYFS framework will undergo some changes in September 2025. Alongside safeguarding topics like monitoring safer eating, nursery owners and managers should be aware of a change relating to PFA training requirements.
From September 2025, early years students and trainees (including apprenticeships) will be required to have their PFA certification to be included in ratios at the level below their level of study.
For example, if a trainee is studying for Level 3, they must have completed their PFA training to be included in ratios as Level 2.
9. Information for employees
Employees in early years settings must be provided with clear and accessible information regarding first aid arrangements. This includes the location of first aid kits, which should be well-stocked and easily reachable, and detailed procedures for handling accidents, illnesses, and emergencies.

Staff must also know the designated first aiders, their responsibilities, and how to contact them quickly if needed.
Regular updates and reminders should be shared to ensure all employees remain confident and informed, helping maintain a safe environment for children and staff.
10. First aid provision without delay
When a child is injured or ill, time is of the essence. Relatively mild symptoms can turn serious in seconds when caring for toddlers and babies. The concept of ‘first aid should be given without delay’ is repeated throughout all statutory and guidance documents about child first aid.
Let’s look at reasons why there may be a delay in administering the correct first aid to an unwell child:
- Slow access to the child’s profile (knowing allergies and medication information)
- Layout of the nursery (to contact other staff members to help)
- An unstocked first aid kit
- Unknown whereabouts of a stocked first aid kit
- Unsuitable training or a lack of practitioner confidence
- Poor supervision
- A limited number of staff trained to deliver first aid
- Lack of knowledge of medical and health incidents (like knowing the signs of heatstroke in babies)
11. A suitably stocked first aid kit
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a recognised leader in workplace health and safety, including in schools and nurseries. Like schools, nurseries must have at least one well-stocked first aid kit accessible at all times.
Staff must know the contents of the first aid kit, where it is stored, and the location of any medications, which should be kept separately for safety and accessibility.

The main first aid kit should include items such as:
- Antiseptic wipes
- Disposable bandages
- Triangular bandages
- Adhesive dressings
- You can record if a child has a known or suspected allergy to plasters on their child profile
- Unmedicated ambulance dressings
- Sterile eye pads
- Safety pins
- Blunt-ended scissors
It can be helpful to have access to the following:
- Instant ice packs
- A face shield for CPR
- Medication for individual children
- A nursery emergency inhaler
- You’ll need to receive permission from parents for this
- An Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- You can find an AED guide for schools that might be useful for your nursery
When travelling offsite, it is recommended the minimum contents for a first aid kit for EYFS are:
- Sterile dressings
- Sterile eye pads
- Triangular bandages
- Safety pins
- Take into consideration the age of the children and the possible risk when using these
- Sterile unmedicated wound dressings
- Disposable gloves
12. Recording and reporting first aid incidents in EYFS
Just like schools, early years settings are strongly recommended to keep an accurate record of all first aid incidents. Recording nursery accidents is vital for improving health and safety and following your required safeguarding duties.
The EYFS framework outlines that nurseries must inform parents of any accident or injury on the same day it happens or as soon as reasonably practical.
Access to accident forms via the Blossom App ensures an accurate (and recorded) summary of the incident and first aid treatment for every incident.
Ofsted and the HSE must be informed of any serious injuries and incidents that happen during nursery hours. You have a 14-day window to inform Ofsted if a child has been involved in a serious accident or injury at your nursery. Your first aid policy will detail what is deemed a serious incident or injury.
Any incidents that involve fractures, result in hospital treatment or worst-case-scenario death must be reported to the HSE under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).
13. Reviewing first aid needs
Reviewing first aid needs in an early years setting is an ongoing process that should adapt to the unique requirements of the children and staff.
When new children join, nursery managers should review their “All About Me” profile to identify specific health conditions, allergies, or medical needs. This ensures that first aid provisions, such as staff training or equipment, are tailored to meet the needs of all children.

Regular reviews should also assess whether staff require additional training or if gaps in knowledge exist, particularly when new medical conditions are identified. It’s recommended to undertake a ‘first aid needs’ review when:
- a staff member joins or leaves,
- a child with medical needs joins, or
- provision is changed (e.g., the addition of new play equipment).
14. Safe storage of medication in EYFS
Medications must be stored securely, out of children’s reach, in a locked cabinet or container that is easily accessible to authorised staff in an emergency.
The EYFS framework explains that prescribed medicines should only be administered with written consent from parents (this consent can also be given digitally).
Medications should be clearly labelled with the child’s name, dosage instructions, and expiration date, and they should be regularly checked to ensure they are within date.
Your practitioners must record when medication is administered, and parents are informed via your Parent App.
15. Nursery insurance for first aid incidents
Nursery insurance and risk protection arrangements are crucial to safeguard against financial and legal risks while ensuring statutory compliance.
Nurseries must have appropriate public liability insurance, as outlined in the EYFS framework. This insurance covers claims related to accidents or injuries involving children, staff, or visitors.
Employers’ liability insurance is also mandatory to protect against claims made by employees for work-related injuries or illnesses.
16. Mental health first aid for EYFS
Mental health is increasingly recognised as a key aspect of first aid in early years settings. It extends beyond physical care to support children’s emotional well-being.
Children need nurturing environments that foster mental wellness, particularly through trauma-informed approaches that consider the impact of stress or adverse experiences on their development.
Primary schools are now placing greater focus on mental health awareness and provision, early years practitioners play a vital role in laying the foundations for self-regulation and emotional resilience.
We also know that child self-regulation and the provision for Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) is an Ofsted hot topic this year, highlighting the importance further.
By ensuring children’s safety, supporting staff, and fostering an environment where children thrive, nurseries can meet Ofsted’s standards while delivering exceptional care.
Want to streamline compliance, enhance safeguarding, and manage your nursery with ease? Discover how Blossom’s features can help with a free no-strings demo.