New EYFS Framework from September 2025: What’s Changing Around First Aid?
From 1 September 2025, a new version of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework comes into effect for group and school-based providers in England. While the core principles of the EYFS remain the same — promoting quality early education, child development, safety, and welfare — there are some notable updates in the area of Paediatric First Aid (PFA) that early years settings need to prepare for.
One of the key changes in the 2025 framework is a strengthened requirement for the presence of a qualified paediatric first aider during specific parts of the day. While previous versions already mandated that someone with a full PFA certificate must be available at all times children are present, the 2025 update explicitly adds the requirement that this person must also be available when children are eating.
This addition is subtle but significant. Mealtimes pose a higher risk for choking incidents, and the new wording ensures that at least one trained staff member is always on hand to respond immediately if a child begins to choke or suffers another medical emergency during meals or snacks. It reflects a broader emphasis within the EYFS on risk prevention and proactive safeguarding.
The framework continues to require that PFA training:
- Be renewed every three years.
- Be full, 12-hour courses that meet the criteria in Annex A of the framework.
- Be delivered by a trainer with the appropriate experience and credentials.
- Include both theoretical and practical training, with an emphasis on dealing with infants and young children.
Settings are also reminded that first aid provision must cover off-site activities, including trips and outings. This means a PFA-qualified person must always accompany children beyond the premises, whether it’s a walk to the park or a longer day trip.
The 2025 version of the framework also gives greater prominence to PFA requirements by listing them more explicitly in the contents and layout. This visibility may help ensure settings do not overlook first aid when reviewing their compliance obligations.
As with previous frameworks, managers and providers must maintain clear records of staff PFA qualifications, ensure appropriate training is kept up to date, and consider how to provide adequate cover during staff absences or lunch breaks — particularly important now that mealtimes are specifically included.
In summary, while the core expectations around Paediatric First Aid remain consistent, the 2025 EYFS update reinforces its importance by adding specific mealtime coverage and giving PFA greater structural visibility.
You can download the new guidelines here
TLDR
Paragraph 3.36
“At least one person who has a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present and must accompany children on outings.
Paragraph 3.63 (new in 2025)
“Whilst children are eating there should always be a member of staff in the room with a valid paediatric first aid certificate for a full course consistent with the criteria set out in Annex A.”Annex A is on pages 46-47 of the new guidelines which you can view here