If you work with children—whether as a childminder, nanny, early years practitioner, or nursery professional—paediatric first aid isn’t just a useful skill. In most cases, it’s a legal requirement. Understanding what training you need, how often it must be renewed, and what the course includes is essential for keeping children safe and meeting Ofsted and EYFS standards.
At Flowers Training, we deliver accredited paediatric first aid courses across Essex, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire, so here’s a simple guide to help you understand exactly what’s required.
What Does the EYFS Say?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework sets out the rules for anyone working with children from birth to five years old. According to the EYFS, all childminders must hold a full Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate. This ensures that at least one person with the correct training is always available to respond to emergencies.
The EYFS also states that training must be:
- Approved and accredited
- Delivered face‑to‑face or blended (with at least 6 hours in person)
- Renewed every three years
- Relevant to babies and children
This means online‑only courses do not meet the requirements for childminders.
Full Paediatric First Aid vs Emergency Paediatric First Aid
There are two recognised paediatric first aid qualifications:
- Full Paediatric First Aid (12 hours)
This is the course required for:
- Childminders
- Nursery staff counted in ratios
- Anyone working alone with children
It covers a wide range of emergencies, including:
- CPR and AED for infants and children
- Choking
- Seizures
- Anaphylaxis and EpiPen use
- Asthma
- Bleeding and shock
- Burns and scalds
- Head injuries
- Fractures
- Meningitis and febrile convulsions
This course meets the full EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
- Emergency Paediatric First Aid (6 hours)
This shorter course is suitable for:
- Support staff
- New team members not counted in ratios
- Parents or carers wanting basic skills
It does not meet the full EYFS requirement for childminders.
Why Childminders Must Have Full Paediatric First Aid
Childminders often work alone or in small settings, meaning they are the first—and sometimes only—person available in an emergency. The full 12‑hour qualification ensures they can confidently manage a wide range of situations until help arrives.
It also ensures compliance with:
- Ofsted registration
- EYFS statutory requirements
- Insurance policies
Without a valid certificate, childminders risk breaching regulations and may not be covered by insurance.
How Often Should Training Be Renewed?
Paediatric first aid certificates must be renewed every three years. However, many childminders choose to refresh their skills more frequently to stay confident and up to date with best practice.
Paediatric First Aid Training with Flowers Training
At Flowers Training, we provide friendly, practical, fully accredited paediatric first aid courses designed to give you real confidence—not just a certificate. Our training is hands‑on, engaging, and tailored to the real‑life situations childminders face every day.
Whether you’re newly registering with Ofsted or renewing your qualification, we’re here to help you meet your legal requirements and keep the children in your care safe.
