Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF)

A comprehensive 2-day Ofqual regulated qualification meeting EYFS requirements for childcare settings.

Course Overview

Would you know what to do if a child in your care needed first aid? The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework requires all early years providers in England to have at least one person holding a current, full paediatric first aid certificate on the premises whenever children are present.

The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF) has been specifically designed to meet the criteria set by the Department for Education's EYFS Framework. Delivered over two days, this qualification equips you with the skills and confidence to recognise and manage a broad range of paediatric first aid situations — from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies.

Who Is This Course For?

  • Those who have gained a Level 2 or Level 3 childcare qualification and work in an early years setting
  • Early years practitioners wishing to be included in staff-to-child ratios under EYFS requirements
  • Registered childminders and assistants required to hold a full paediatric first aid certificate
  • Anyone who cares for infants or children professionally or voluntarily

What You Will Learn

  • Roles and responsibilities of a paediatric first aider
  • Assessing an emergency situation
  • Recovery position for infants and children
  • CPR and the safe use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
  • Choking — recognition and treatment
  • Head, neck and back injuries
  • Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions
  • Meningitis — recognition and response
  • Asthma
  • Seizures and febrile convulsions
  • Diabetic emergencies
  • Poisoning
  • Burns and scalds
  • Electric shock
  • External bleeding and shock
  • Eye, ear and nose conditions
  • Bites and stings
  • Extremes of temperature

Certification

On successful completion you will receive an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Award certificate valid for 3 years. Your certificate satisfies the EYFS Framework requirement for a full paediatric first aid qualification. Certificate validity can be checked online using Qualsafe's verification tool.

Progression

This qualification contains a unit that also forms part of the Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF). It can be used towards other qualifications at the same or higher level and supports career development in early years, childcare, and education settings.

Key Details

Duration 2 Days (12 hours)
Certificate Validity 3 Years
Assessment Practical assessments completed throughout the course
Class Size Maximum 12 learners per trainer
Entry Requirements Minimum age 14; able to perform practical tasks at floor level; Level 1 literacy/numeracy recommended
What to Wear Comfortable clothing suitable for floor-based practical work
Alignment EYFS, Ofsted, HSE
Request a Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the paediatric first aid course.

Yes. The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF) is an Ofqual regulated qualification that meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, Ofsted, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines for childcare settings. It is suitable for childminders, nursery staff, and all early years practitioners who need to hold a current paediatric first aid certificate.
The certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. After 3 years, you will need to retake the full 2-day course to renew your qualification. We recommend attending an annual refresher course to keep your skills up to date throughout the validity period.
The Paediatric First Aid course is a comprehensive 2-day (12-hour) qualification covering a wide range of paediatric first aid topics including childhood illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions. The Emergency Paediatric First Aid course is a 1-day (6-hour) qualification that covers core life-saving skills such as CPR, choking, and managing an unresponsive child. Both are Ofqual regulated qualifications that meet EYFS requirements, but the full 2-day course provides more in-depth and comprehensive training.
No prior qualifications or experience are required. The course is open to anyone aged 16 or over. All training is delivered in English, so learners need to be able to understand and communicate in English. The course includes practical elements that require learners to perform CPR on the floor, so comfortable clothing is recommended.

Ready to Book Your Paediatric First Aid Training?

Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote. We deliver UK-wide and come to your workplace or childcare setting.

Get a Free Quote