If you run a nursery, preschool, school early years provision or childminding service, paediatric first aid is not optional - it is part of EYFS expectations.
At least one person with a current full PFA certificate must be on the premises and available whenever children are present, and must accompany outings. Certificates must meet EYFS criteria (Annex A) and are renewed every three years. Many level 2/3 staff also need PFA to count in ratios.
What is Paediatric First Aid (PFA)?
Full PFA is typically a minimum 12-hour course (often two days) covering babies and children: CPR, choking, seizures, allergic reactions, injuries and illness - with paediatric manikins and scenarios.
Typical duration: Minimum 12 hours (commonly 2 days); blended formats exist with face-to-face skills
Certificate life: Usually 3 years; must remain relevant to young children and babies
Who usually needs this training?
- Nurseries, childminders and school-based early years providers
- Holiday clubs and activity providers working with young children
- Settings ensuring ratio-eligible staff hold PFA
Your options when arranging PFA training
How early years providers usually book PFA:
- Closed courses in the setting (evenings/weekends for shift patterns)
- Open PFA courses for new starters within three months
- Blended learning with assessed practical day
What to look for in a PFA trainer or training company
- Explicit EYFS / Annex A alignment - ask the provider to confirm
- Paediatric manikins (infant and child) and auto-injector training aids
- Experience training early years practitioners, not only workplace first-aiders
- Helpful certificate evidence for Ofsted / parent display requirements
Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) is shorter and does not by itself meet the “full PFA on site at all times” expectation - know which level you are buying.
Authoritative guidance
Check primary sources before you buy - FlexMed helps you hire trainers, but course requirements come from regulators, statutory frameworks and professional bodies:
How FlexMed helps you find the right trainer
FlexMed is a UK marketplace that connects organisations with freelance trainers and training companies. Instead of cold-calling providers or waiting on generic quote forms, you can post what you need once and compare responses from people who already deliver PFA.
- Create a free organisation account - register as a client organisation if you need training delivered for your staff, or as a training company if you need freelance trainer cover for a course you already run.
- Post a clear request or job - include the course type (Paediatric First Aid (PFA)), date(s), postcode area, headcount, venue type, and whether you need equipment supplied.
- Review profiles and credentials - check bios, verification documents, equipment flags, and ratings before you award.
- Compare quotes and message - ask about awarding organisation, assessment method, blended learning options, and what is included in the price.
Trainers and providers looking for work can also browse open jobs on FlexMed.
Practical tips before you book
- Complete a first-aid / training needs assessment so you book the right level - not just the cheapest day course. The HSE first aid needs assessment guidance is the usual starting point for workplaces.
- Confirm whether you need regulated qualifications, in-date certificates, or specific awarding bodies for your sector.
- Share access details, parking, and any learner needs early so the session runs smoothly.
- Ask who issues the certificates and how quickly learners receive them after assessment.
Post your PFA dates and headcount on FlexMed to reach trainers who regularly deliver paediatric first aid for early years settings.