Paediatric First Aid Course

Our Level 3 Paediatric First Aid course is the full Ofsted-approved, EYFS-compliant qualification for anyone responsible for babies and children in an early years or childcare setting. Awarded by Qualsafe Awards (an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation), it's delivered as a 2-day blended course — one day of flexible online learning and one practical day at our Leeds centre — and meets the statutory paediatric first aid requirement in full. We also deliver it on site for nurseries, pre-schools and childcare settings across Leeds and West Yorkshire.

At a glance

• Qualification: Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF), Ofqual-regulated
• Duration: Blended — 1 day e-learning + 1 practical day
• Certificate: Valid for 3 years · meets EYFS requirements
• Who it's for: Nursery/pre-school staff, childminders, early years school staff, nannies
• Price: £95 per person (£695 for a group of up to 12)
• Where: Stringer House, Hunslet, Leeds — or on site at your setting

Your EYFS legal requirement

The Department for Education's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework requires that at least one person with a current full paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate is on the premises and available at all times whenever early years children are present — and on outings. The certificate must come from a course meeting the EYFS criteria and must be renewed every three years. Staff who gained a level 2 or level 3 childcare qualification on or after 30 June 2016 must also hold a current PFA certificate to be counted in the required staff-to-child ratios. This course meets that requirement in full, so it satisfies Ofsted on inspection.

Who should attend

Nursery and pre-school staff, registered childminders and their assistants, early years staff in schools, nannies seeking the full qualification, and managers responsible for EYFS compliance. Caring for children in a lower-ratio or non-EYFS setting, or just want the skills as a parent? Our one-day Emergency Paediatric First Aid course may suit you better — call us and we'll advise.

What you'll learn

Across the two days you'll cover:

• The role and responsibilities of a paediatric first aider
• Assessing an emergency involving an infant or child (the primary survey)
• Infant and child CPR, and safe use of an AED
• Choking in babies and children
• The recovery position for infants and children
• Controlling bleeding, wounds and shock
• Burns, scalds and electric shock
• Bone, muscle and joint injuries; head and spinal injuries
• Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions
• Meningitis and febrile convulsions (seizures)
• Asthma and breathing difficulties
• Diabetic emergencies
• High temperatures, poisoning, bites and stings
• Recognising serious childhood illness and when to call for help

What to expect on the day

Day one is online learning you complete in your own time and at your own pace — so you arrive ready to focus on the practical skills. Day two is a hands-on practical day at our Leeds centre, using infant and child manikins to practise CPR, choking response and casualty care in realistic scenarios. It's relaxed and supportive, with small groups and plenty of time to practise until you feel genuinely confident caring for the children in your charge.

By the end of the course you'll be able to

Respond calmly to a paediatric emergency; perform infant and child CPR and use a defibrillator; deal with choking in babies and children; manage bleeding, burns, fractures and head injuries; recognise and respond to anaphylaxis, meningitis, febrile convulsions, asthma and diabetic emergencies; and know when and how to get further help.

Assessment & certificate

Day one e-learning includes built-in knowledge checks; day two is assessed practically by your trainer, with no daunting written exam. On successful completion you'll receive the Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF), valid for three years and accepted by Ofsted as meeting EYFS requirements.

On-site training for your setting

Need your whole team qualified? We deliver the course on site for nurseries, pre-schools and childcare settings across Leeds and West Yorkshire for up to 12 staff — minimal disruption to your setting, and a cost-effective way to keep everyone compliant. Call for a group quote.

Why train with First Aid Course Leeds

Childcare settings across Leeds have trusted us with their EYFS first aid training since 2018 — over 5,000 people trained.

Our first aid courses are accredited by the First Aid Industry Body (FAIB), whose qualifications meet HSE requirements. Our Level 3 Paediatric First Aid and Mental Health First Aid qualifications are awarded by Qualsafe Awards (Ofqual-regulated), and our CPR & Defibrillator (AED) training is certificated by Skills Training Group. Like the British Red Cross and St John Ambulance, our training meets the standards set by the HSE, Ofsted, the EYFS and the Department for Education.

Your training is led by Martin Sanders — a serving Leeds firefighter and qualified Casualty Care Instructor who brings real front-line emergency experience to every session. Alongside his FAA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work, Martin holds recognised teaching and assessing qualifications, so you learn life-saving skills from someone who both uses them in the field and knows how to teach them. All first aid certificates are valid for three years.

Training takes place at our centre at Stringer House, 34 Lupton Street, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 2QR — free on-site parking, easy to reach from the city centre — or we'll come to you for group bookings.

Venue, parking & getting here

Open courses run at Stringer House, 34 Lupton Street, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 2QR — free on-site parking, step-free access and easy links from the city centre and the M621. Refreshments are provided; let us know about any accessibility or learning-support needs in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Does this course meet Ofsted and EYFS requirements?

Yes — it's the full Level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification (Qualsafe, Ofqual-regulated) and meets the EYFS statutory requirement for early years settings.

How is it different from the 1-day Emergency Paediatric course?

The 2-day Level 3 is the full qualification required for EYFS early years ratios. The one-day Emergency Paediatric First Aid course suits lower-ratio or non-EYFS roles, nannies, and parents. We'll advise which you need.

How long is the certificate valid?

Three years, as required by the EYFS framework — then you requalify by taking the course again.

How does the blended format work — how long do I have for the online part?

You complete the e-learning day online in your own time before the practical day. Get in touch and we'll confirm the exact window for the cohort you book.

Can you train all our nursery staff at once?

Yes — on-site delivery for up to 12 staff across Leeds and West Yorkshire.

Do I need any prior first aid experience?

No — it's suitable for beginners.

Can I take this if I'm a nanny or parent rather than nursery staff?

Yes. Nannies often take the full Level 3; parents sometimes prefer the shorter Emergency Paediatric course. Either is open to you.

Can my employer be invoiced?

Yes — we invoice nurseries, schools and settings for individual or group bookings.

Ready to book?

Hit View Dates to see upcoming sessions and Book Now to reserve your place — or call 0113 543 6636 for advice or a setting-wide quote.