Introduction ~ Training Guidance
At DS, we are increasingly worried across certain training essentials that initial training, then their refreshers, appear that they are not being done and that’s jeopardising competence.
Consequently, relationships with insurers suffer and there’s criticism from enforcers. We are also concerned that some online training is not providing Leaders, and those you delegate to, with enough detail and granular understanding of topics such as asbestos management, where we’ve seen HSE intervention damage reputations and become costly, as they can recover their full costs, if remedial actions are needed.
There’s also evidence that using online training alone may, where there’s efficient monitoring of what’s been viewed/done and for how long, provide evidence that someone has ‘passed the test’, but in practice it isn’t translated into understanding and better practice on the ground.
Please see following examples of what we are most concerned about.
Index for following content:
- Admin of Medicines in Schools/EpiPen Training
- Basic First Aid for Schools {4 Hours}
- Educational Visits Coordinator and Visit Leader/Deputy Party Leader
- Fire Warden/Marshal Training
- First Aid for Schools {6 Hours}
- First Aid at Work ~ Every 3 Years
- Paediatric First Aid {2 Days Training}
- Team Teach/Positive Handling
Here is the link to the DS Portal ~ DS Portal
Admin of Medicines in Schools/EpiPen Training
If the session is bolted on to a BFAS/FAS course then a 3-year certificate is issued. If it is an anaphylaxis workshop, an attendance certificate with no expiry date. It is expected that delegates request/attend further training if they no longer feel confident.
Basic First Aid for Schools {4 Hours}
A certificate valid for 3 years is issued on successful completion of the course.
Requalification – at the end of the 3-year period delegates are required to repeat the full 4hr session.
Educational Visits Coordinator and Visit Leader/Deputy Party Leader
In line with the DS Educational Visits policy, all EVCs and Visit Leaders/Deputy Visit Leaders must complete a full day course and then a half day refresher every 3 years.
If not booked in before expiry, the full course should be retaken.
Fire Warden/Marshal Training
Certificates should be renewed every 3 Years
First Aid for Schools {6 Hours}
A certificate valid for 3 years is issued on successful completion of the course.
Requalification – at the end of the 3-year period delegates are required to repeat the full 6hr session.
First Aid at Work ~ Every 3 Years
A certificate valid for 3 years is issued on successful completion of the course.
Requalification – delegates are eligible to join a 2-day Requalification First Aid at Work course up to three months prior to expiry, whilst preserving their current certificate expiry date.
Annual Refreshers (3hrs) are strongly recommended by the HSE in year one and two.
Paediatric First Aid {2 Days Training}
A certificate valid for 3 years is issued on successful completion of the course.
- Requalification – at the end of the 3-year period delegates are required to repeat the full 12hr session. Blended option is also available.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework has several updates regarding first aid. There have been two main phases of updates: one that came into effect in January 2024 and a more recent, more robust set of changes effective from September 1, 2025.
The most significant changes focus on who must be trained and when a trained staff member must be present.
Mandatory Presence During Meals
One of the most specific new requirements (effective September 2025) is that a staff member with a valid Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate must be present during all meal times.
This is part of a broader “Safer Eating” initiative aimed at reducing choking risks and managing allergies more effectively.
Expanded Training Requirements for Ratios
Previously, first aid requirements were often flexible for those in training. Under the new framework:
- Students and Apprentices: To be included in staff-to-child ratios, students (aged 16+) and apprentices must now hold a valid PFA certificate.
- Newly Qualified Staff: All staff who have gained a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification since June 2016 must have a PFA certificate within three months of starting work to count in ratios.
- Experience-Based Routes: Staff qualifying through the “experience-based” route are also now explicitly required to hold PFA certification to be counted in ratios.
Core PFA Requirements (Carried Over)
The fundamental rules regarding first aid remain in place but are strictly enforced:
- Always On-Site: At least one person with a full PFA certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present.
- Outings: A PFA-trained staff member must accompany children on all outings.
- Certificate Validity: PFA certificates must be renewed every three years.
- First Aid Boxes: A clearly labelled and accessible first aid box must be available at all times.
Comparison of PFA Course Types
The framework recognises two levels of training, though the 12-hour “Full” PFA is the standard for designated leads.
Team Teach/Positive Handling
- Level 1 Training = 2 years 6 hours refresh required
- Level 2 Training = 1 year 6 hours refresh required
If not booked in before expiry, the full course should be retaken.
Here is the link to the DS Portal ~ DS Portal
Don’t see exactly what you are after? Just get in touch ~ nothing is impossible! If you cannot see the training that you require, please just send an email & we will be happy to assist. Please email shelley.brown@delegatedservices.org & also copy in training@delegatedservices.org
We also excel in arranging ‘come to you’ training too, where numbers are viable. We are also able to take a blended training approach, working with one of our network partners, to provide online training too.
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