Paediatric First Aid
PFA (2 Day Course)
Course Introduction
Providing first aid to infants and young children requires a different approach than treating adults. This comprehensive Level 3 Paediatric First Aid course has been developed for individuals working closely with children, ensuring they are fully equipped to respond confidently and appropriately in emergency situations.
Course Overview
This 12-hour, two-day training programme is ideal for those in early years settings and childcare roles, such as nurseries, pre-schools, after-school clubs, and primary schools. Participants will gain hands-on experience in a practical, engaging environment, building the skills and confidence required to manage both minor injuries and life-threatening emergencies involving children and babies.
The course meets the standards outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, including the expectations set out under Every Child Matters. Successful learners will receive a certificate valid for three years. There is no final exam—progress is continually assessed by the trainer throughout the course.
Course Aim
This course aims to give learners the competence and confidence to deal with a wide range of paediatric incidents and emergencies.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the responsibilities of a paediatric first aider
- Quickly assess medical situations involving children
- Administer care to children and infants experiencing breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, head injuries, shock, or other serious conditions
- Respond effectively to burns, poisoning, bleeding, choking, seizures, electric shocks, or temperature-related conditions
- Keep accurate records of accidents, illnesses, and emergency incidents in line with workplace procedures
Who Should Attend?
This course is particularly relevant for individuals working in childcare or early education settings. Recent regulatory changes mean all newly qualified childcare staff must complete approved paediatric first aid training.
For settings seeking to achieve Millie’s Mark, recognised as the gold standard in paediatric first aid, this course supports staff in meeting the necessary criteria. Training all staff to respond appropriately in medical emergencies helps nurseries and child care centres build trust with families and demonstrate a strong commitment to child safety.
Duration
2 Days (12 hours of guided learning)
Certification
This course is accredited through The First Aid Industry Body (FAIB), an established trade body recognised by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and compliant with Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted requirements.
Availability
P3 First Aid Training are available to deliver this programme to your staff. If your organisation is seeking a reliable training provider to deliver accredited paediatric first aid courses under a reputable quality assurance framework, we would be only too pleased to support your provision.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Difference Between First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid Training?
While many of the core first aid principles remain the same, Paediatric First Aid (PFA) Training is specifically designed for those responsible for the care of babies and children.
Paediatric First Aid training is particularly relevant for:
- Schools and academies
- Nurseries and early years settings
- Childcare providers
- Foster carers
- Children’s activity providers
- Care and support environments involving young people
The “Paediatric” element of the course focuses on the recognition, assessment, and treatment of illnesses and injuries affecting infants and children, ensuring learners can provide appropriate emergency care in situations involving younger casualties.
At P3 First Aid Training, we place a strong emphasis on Anaphylaxis Training within our Paediatric First Aid courses. This includes recognising allergic reactions, identifying the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and safely administering emergency treatment such as adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI’s).
This area of training has become increasingly important following the introduction of “Benedict’s Law”, introduced after the tragic death of Blythe Benedict in 2021, which highlighted the critical importance of allergy awareness, emergency medication access, staff training, and effective safeguarding policies within educational and childcare settings.
Our practical, scenario-based training helps learners build the confidence and competence needed to respond quickly and effectively when caring for children in an emergency.
Is the course accredited?
Yes – this course, along with the majority of our training programmes (unless specifically delivered as bespoke non-accredited training), is fully accredited by the First Aid Industry Body (FAIB).
This accreditation ensures that our courses meet recognised industry standards and provide learners with high-quality, compliant first aid training delivered by experienced professionals.
P3 First Aid Training is licensed to deliver accredited FAIB qualifications under licence number 23/26 (11162).
What Is the Difference Between the 2-Day Paediatric First Aid (PFAW) Course and the 1-Day Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFAW) Course?
The main difference between the Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFAW) Course and the Paediatric First Aid (PFAW) Course is the depth of training provided, the range of subjects covered, and the specific workplace or regulatory requirements they are designed to meet.
At P3 First Aid Training, we help schools, nurseries, childcare providers, and child carers identify the most appropriate qualification to ensure both compliance and confidence when responding to emergencies involving babies and children.
1-Day Emergency Paediatric First Aid at Work (EPFAW)
The 1-day EPFAW course is designed to provide learners with fundamental emergency paediatric first aid knowledge and practical lifesaving skills. It is generally suitable for lower-risk childcare environments or for supporting additional first aid provision within a setting.
The course focuses on emergency situations such as:
- Child and infant CPR
- Choking management
- Unconscious casualties
- Severe bleeding
- Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions
- Seizures and medical emergencies
2-Day Paediatric First Aid (PFAW)
The 2-day PFAW course is a more comprehensive qualification and is often the required standard for those working in early years settings and childcare environments regulated by Ofsted and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
In addition to emergency care, the full PFAW qualification covers a broader range of childhood illnesses, injuries, and ongoing casualty management, providing learners with a greater depth of knowledge and practical capability.
This qualification is commonly required for:
- Nursery staff
- Early years practitioners
- Childminders
- Preschool settings
- Teachers and teaching assistants working with younger children
- Foster carers and childcare professionals
Choosing the Correct Paediatric First Aid Course
At P3 First Aid Training, we always recommend ensuring that the chosen qualification meets both your workplace responsibilities and any legal or safeguarding requirements relevant to your setting.
Our experienced instructors deliver practical, engaging, and scenario-based paediatric first aid training designed to build confidence, competence, and compliance for anyone responsible for the care and wellbeing of children.
How Many Delegates Can Attend the Paediatric First Aid at Work (PFAW) Course?
Our Paediatric First Aid at Work (PFAW) Course is delivered with a maximum ratio of 12 delegates per instructor. This ensures every learner receives high-quality, engaging, and practical first aid training with appropriate instructor support throughout the course.
For businesses requiring larger group training, P3 First Aid Training may be able to provide two instructors for the same course delivery, subject to venue size and suitability. This allows up to 24 delegates to complete the same first aid course on the same day while maintaining excellent training standards and learner engagement.
We are always happy to discuss larger group bookings and provide flexible workplace first aid training solutions tailored to your operational requirements.
Can I Attend the EFAW Course Instead of the Paediatric First Aid Course to Save Time and Money?
Unfortunately, in most cases, no. While the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Course and Paediatric First Aid (PFA) Training share some similar first aid principles, the courses are designed for very different environments and casualty age groups.
The EFAW course is primarily focused on adult workplace first aid and is aimed at businesses and organisations requiring emergency first aid provision for adults in the workplace.
The Paediatric First Aid course is specifically designed for individuals responsible for the care of babies, infants, and children, including those working within:
- Schools and academies
- Nurseries and early years settings
- Childcare environments
- Foster care and child support services
- Children’s clubs and activity providers
At P3 First Aid Training, our Paediatric First Aid training places additional emphasis on the assessment and treatment of childhood illnesses and injuries, including child and infant CPR, choking, febrile seizures, and anaphylaxis management.
In many educational and childcare settings, Paediatric First Aid training is a regulatory or safeguarding requirement and cannot simply be replaced with an adult-focused EFAW qualification.
If you are unsure which course best suits your workplace, role, or legal responsibilities, our team is always happy to discuss your requirements and help you choose the most appropriate and compliant first aid training course.
Are There Any Physical Requirements for Attending particular Course?
Yes – delegates attending any First Aid Training Course must be physically able to participate in the practical assessment elements of the course.
This includes being able to:
- Kneel on the floor to demonstrate effective CPR
- Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) safely and correctly
- Place an unconscious breathing casualty into the recovery position
These practical skills form an essential part of the course assessment and ongoing accreditation process. Instructors and assessors are required to confirm that each learner can safely and competently demonstrate these lifesaving techniques before certification can be awarded.
At P3 First Aid Training, we always encourage delegates to discuss any concerns or accessibility requirements with us prior to booking so we can offer guidance and support wherever possible.
Do I Need Previous First Aid Experience to Attend the PFAW Course?
No- our Paediatric First Aid at Work (PFAW) Course is suitable for both beginners and those who may have previously completed first aid training but allowed their certification to expire.
The course is designed to be easy to follow and accessible to learners of all experience levels. Through a combination of practical learning and clear instruction, delegates are guided step-by-step through the fundamental principles of workplace first aid.
At P3 First Aid Training, we focus on building confidence, practical skills, and real-world understanding, enabling learners to effectively assess and assist someone requiring medical attention both in the workplace and in everyday situation.
Are Certificates Provided After Completing the Course?
Yes – upon successful completion of your First Aid Training Course, delegates will receive certification from P3 First Aid Training.
As part of our commitment to reducing environmental impact and minimising unnecessary waste, certificates are primarily issued electronically. This provides delegates and businesses with fast, convenient access to their qualification documents while supporting environmentally responsible practices.
If hard copy certificates are preferred, these can also be provided upon request for an additional charge to cover printing, packaging, and postage costs. Please advise us at the time of booking if printed certificates are required so the relevant costs can be included within your invoice.
