Top Paediatric First Aid Training Providers in the UK: Complete Guide

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When a child stops breathing or starts choking in your care, you have seconds to respond—and those seconds demand both knowledge and confidence. Paediatric first aid training equips childcare professionals, teachers, and parents with the practical skills to handle these critical moments, from infant CPR to managing severe allergic reactions.

This guide covers everything you need to know about paediatric first aid training in the UK, including course types, OFSTED requirements, and how to choose a provider that delivers real-world skills your team can actually use.

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What Is Paediatric First Aid Training and Who Needs It?

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Paediatric first aid training teaches you how to respond to medical emergencies involving infants and children, from newborns through adolescence. The training differs from standard adult first aid because children's bodies work differently—their airways are narrower, their vital signs run at different rates, and they respond to injuries and illnesses in unique ways. You'll learn everything from performing CPR on a baby to recognizing the early signs of meningitis.

Several groups are legally required to hold current paediatric first aid certification. Childcare providers, including childminders and nursery staff, must have at least one qualified first aider on premises whenever children are present to meet OFSTED registration requirements. Teachers, teaching assistants, and sports coaches working with children also commonly complete this training to fulfill their duty of care responsibilities. Parents and guardians aren't legally required to take these courses, but many do anyway because knowing how to respond when your child chokes or stops breathing can make the difference between life and death.

Here's who typically completes paediatric first aid training:

• Childcare providers: Required by law for OFSTED registration
• Teachers and school staff: Necessary for duty of care obligations
• Sports coaches: Essential when supervising children's activities
• Parents and guardians: Voluntary but provides life-saving skills

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Types of Paediatric First Aid Courses for Childcare Settings

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Different paediatric first aid courses exist to suit various needs and schedules. While all legitimate courses meet recognized standards, they differ in duration, content depth, and delivery method.

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Emergency Paediatric First Aid Training

Emergency paediatric first aid is a condensed one-day course covering the most critical life-threatening situations. You'll learn infant and child CPR, choking management, and severe bleeding control. This shorter course meets minimum requirements for some roles, but it doesn't satisfy full OFSTED compliance for early years childcare providers who work with children under five.

Full Paediatric First Aid Course

The full paediatric first aid course runs over two days and meets complete OFSTED requirements for early years settings. Beyond emergency topics, this training covers minor injuries, childhood illnesses, fractures, burns, and environmental emergencies like hypothermia. OFSTED regulations state that at least one person with this qualification must be on the premises at all times when children are present.

Blended Paediatric First Aid Training

Blended paediatric first aid combines online learning with face-to-face practical sessions. You complete the theoretical portion—like recognizing symptoms and understanding treatment principles—at your own pace online, then attend a shorter in-person session for hands-on skills like chest compressions and bandaging. When completed fully, blended courses provide the same certification as traditional classroom training and meet identical regulatory standards.

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OFSTED Requirements for Paediatric First Aid Certification

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OFSTED mandates that all early years childcare settings have at least one person with a current full paediatric first aid certificate on site whenever children are present. This requirement forms part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, which sets standards for children from birth to five years old. Your certificate must come from an OFSTED-approved training provider—not all first aid courses meet the standards.

The emergency paediatric first aid course, while valuable, doesn't satisfy OFSTED's full requirements for childcare settings. Certificates remain valid for three years from the date you complete the course, and you'll need to retake the full training before expiry to maintain continuous compliance.

Key OFSTED compliance points:

• At least one qualified first aider present during all operating hours
• Certificate from OFSTED-approved provider
• Full paediatric first aid course required for early years settings
• Valid for three years from completion date

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Best Paediatric First Aid Training Providers in the UK

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Choosing the right training provider ensures your team receives quality instruction and proper certification. Accreditation status, trainer expertise, and course delivery options all matter when making your decision.

Kasorb

Kasorb delivers on-site paediatric first aid training directly at your workplace, with flat group rates covering up to twelve participants. The instructors are experienced healthcare professionals—paramedics, ER nurses, and NHS staff—who bring frontline emergency experience into the training room. Rather than generic scenarios, Kasorb focuses on practical, hands-on learning tailored to the specific risks in your childcare environment.

Training on-site eliminates travel time and allows your entire team to practice together using your actual facilities and equipment. Kasorb provides full OFSTED-compliant certification and all necessary documentation.

St John Ambulance

St John Ambulance is an established national charity with a long history in first aid training across the UK. They offer both blended online and traditional classroom paediatric first aid courses, with venues available in most major towns and cities. The standardized curriculum and widespread availability make them a convenient choice for individuals or small teams who prefer attending public courses.

British Red Cross Training

The British Red Cross provides paediatric first aid training through a nationwide network of venues and instructors. The focus on accessible, community-based training emphasizes building confidence in everyday people. They also offer shorter awareness sessions specifically designed for parents and grandparents who want basic skills without full certification.

Tigerlily Training

Tigerlily Training specializes in first aid courses for the childcare and early years sector. The blended learning options combine online theoretical modules with practical face-to-face sessions, designed specifically around OFSTED requirements. This targeted focus means course content directly addresses the scenarios childcare professionals encounter most frequently.

Highfield

Highfield operates both as an awarding organization and as a training provider through approved centers across the UK. They're recognized for qualifications frameworks and assessment standards in first aid education. Many training providers deliver Highfield-accredited courses, so you'll often see their name on certificates even if you trained with a different organization.

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What Your Paediatric First Aid Course Should Cover

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Comprehensive paediatric first aid training addresses the most common and serious emergencies affecting children. All OFSTED-compliant courses cover these core topics, though delivery methods vary between providers.

Assessing Emergency Situations

You'll learn how to quickly evaluate a child's condition using primary and secondary survey techniques adapted for young patients. This includes checking responsiveness, breathing, and circulation, then systematically looking for injuries or illness once immediate threats are managed. Recognizing when a situation is life-threatening versus serious helps you prioritize actions and communicate effectively with emergency services.

CPR for Infants and Children

Infant CPR for babies under one year differs significantly from child CPR in hand positioning, compression depth, and the ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths. You'll practice both techniques on manikins until the movements become automatic. The course also covers using automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on children, including when to use pediatric pads versus adult pads.

Managing Choking

Choking is one of the most common life-threatening emergencies in childcare settings. You'll practice back blows and abdominal thrusts for conscious children, plus modified techniques for infants because their bodies are too small for abdominal thrusts. You'll also learn to distinguish between complete airway obstruction, where the child cannot cough or cry, and partial obstruction, where they're still getting some air.

Treating Burns and Scalds

Immediate cooling treatment for burns and scalds can significantly reduce injury severity and pain. You'll learn the twenty-minute cool running water rule, how to recognize burns that need hospital treatment versus those manageable in your setting, and proper dressing techniques to prevent infection.

Dealing with Bleeding and Shock

Controlling bleeding through direct pressure, elevation, and appropriate dressings forms a core skill in paediatric first aid. Children can develop shock more quickly than adults when they lose blood, so you'll learn to recognize early warning signs like pale skin, rapid pulse, and altered consciousness.

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Online vs On-Site Paediatric First Aid Training Options

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The two main delivery formats—online or blended and on-site—each offer distinct advantages. Online courses provide flexibility to complete theoretical learning at your own pace, though you'll still attend a separate practical session for hands-on skills assessment. On-site training brings the instructor to your workplace, allowing your entire team to learn together in the environment where they'll actually respond to emergencies.

FeatureOnline/Blended TrainingOn-Site TrainingFlexibilityComplete theory at your own paceFixed schedule, entire team trains togetherPractical SkillsSeparate in-person session requiredHands-on practice throughout courseCostOften lower per personGroup rates available, no travel costsTeam BuildingIndividual learning experienceShared learning strengthens team responseWorkplace RelevanceGeneric scenariosTailored to your specific setting

Kasorb's on-site approach eliminates travel time for your staff and allows training to be tailored to your specific childcare environment. When your team practices together using your actual layout and equipment, they develop coordinated emergency response procedures that translate directly to real situations.

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How Much Does Paediatric First Aid Training Cost?

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Paediatric first aid training costs vary based on several factors. Course type—emergency versus full certification—affects pricing, with the comprehensive two-day course typically costing more than the condensed one-day version. Delivery method also plays a role, as blended courses may offer savings on venue costs compared to traditional classroom training.

Group bookings often provide better value than individual places, particularly for on-site training. Some providers charge per person regardless of group size, while others offer flat rates for up to twelve participants—the latter can significantly reduce your per-person cost when training multiple staff members.

Cost factors to consider:

• Course type: Full courses typically cost more than emergency training
• Delivery format: Blended courses may offer savings on venue costs
• Group bookings: On-site training with flat rates reduces per-person costs
• Certification validity: Three-year certification means lower annual cost

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Choosing the Right Paediatric First Aid Course Provider

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Beyond price, several criteria guide provider selection. Proper accreditation from bodies like the First Aid Industry Body (FAIB) or Ofqual-regulated awarding organizations ensures the training meets recognized standards and will be accepted by OFSTED. Trainer qualifications matter significantly—instructors who are current or former paramedics, nurses, or other healthcare professionals bring real emergency experience that enriches the training.

Course delivery style varies widely between providers. Some emphasize interactive, scenario-based learning while others take a more lecture-based approach. The most effective paediatric first aid training involves extensive hands-on practice, not just watching demonstrations. Check whether the certification meets your specific regulatory requirements, as some courses satisfy certain standards but not others.

Reading reviews from other childcare providers gives you insight into how the training actually works in practice. Consider convenience factors like whether the provider offers on-site training, scheduling flexibility, and whether they can accommodate your team's availability.

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Paediatric First Aid Certification Validity and Renewal

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Paediatric first aid certificates remain valid for three years from the date you complete your course. Tracking expiry dates is crucial because OFSTED requires valid certification at all times children are present—letting your certificate lapse, even for a day, means you're not compliant. Many childcare settings maintain a calendar system to monitor staff certification dates and book renewal training well in advance.

The renewal process requires completing the full course again, not just a shorter refresher. While this might seem excessive, paediatric first aid techniques and guidelines do change over time, and the full course ensures your knowledge and skills remain current. If your certification expires before you complete renewal training, you cannot be counted as a qualified first aider, which potentially affects your setting's legal compliance and insurance coverage.

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Get Your Team Certified with Paediatric First Aid Training

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On-site group training offers a convenient solution for childcare settings, allowing your entire team to learn together and practice coordinated emergency responses. When your team trains together in your actual childcare environment, you develop a consistent approach to emergencies and better coordination between staff members.

Kasorb's experienced healthcare professionals deliver practical, scenario-based training tailored specifically to childcare environments. Book Training Instantly and get your team the skills to respond confidently to child emergencies.

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FAQs About Paediatric First Aid Training

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How long does paediatric first aid certification last?

Paediatric first aid certification remains valid for three years from the date you complete the course. You'll retake the full course before expiry to maintain continuous compliance with OFSTED requirements.

Can I complete paediatric first aid training fully online?

You cannot complete paediatric first aid training entirely online because OFSTED-compliant courses require hands-on practical assessment of skills like CPR and choking management. Blended courses combine online theory with mandatory face-to-face practical sessions.

What is the minimum age to take a paediatric first aid course?

Most paediatric first aid training providers accept participants aged sixteen and above, though some may require attendees to be eighteen. Check with your chosen provider for specific age requirements.

Do I need to renew my paediatric first aid certification before it expires?

Booking renewal training before your certificate expires avoids any gap in compliance, as OFSTED requires valid certification at all times children are present. If your certificate lapses, you cannot be counted as a qualified first aider until you complete the full course again.

Is there a difference between paediatric and pediatric first aid?

Paediatric and pediatric refer to the same thing—child-focused medical care—with paediatric being the British spelling and pediatric the American spelling. In the UK, courses use the term paediatric first aid, and both spellings describe identical training content.