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

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its latest annual figures on work-related fatalities in Great Britain, reporting that 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents in 2024–25. This figure is broadly in line with the average over the past decade, showing little change in the overall number of fatal injuries despite significant improvements in general health and safety standards over the longer term.

Construction remains the sector with the highest number of deaths, recording 50 worker fatalities in the last year. This is consistent with its historically elevated risk profile, given the sector’s hazardous work environments, frequent work at height, and heavy equipment use. Agriculture, forestry and fishing also continues to have a disproportionately high fatal injury rate relative to its workforce size, with 27 deaths recorded in 2024–25. Other sectors with notable figures include manufacturing and transportation and storage.

The data underscores the persistent risks faced by workers across a range of industries and the need for employers to maintain a relentless focus on controlling hazards. While the headline figure of 138 deaths has remained relatively stable, each individual fatality represents a personal tragedy with devastating consequences for families, friends, colleagues, and communities.

The HSE’s report does not include detailed analysis of the role of first aid response or worker training in these incidents. However, these annual statistics serve as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive health and safety management systems in all workplaces. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing effective control measures, providing clear and ongoing safety training, and ensuring robust emergency planning and first aid provision.

Employers have a legal and moral duty to protect their workforce by fostering a proactive safety culture. Well-designed training programmes help workers recognise hazards, understand safe systems of work, and know how to respond to incidents effectively. Similarly, strong first aid arrangements can save lives in the critical moments after an accident and reduce the severity of injuries. While first aid alone cannot prevent fatalities, it is an essential part of any workplace safety strategy, supporting prompt and effective emergency responses.

The HSE continues to highlight the importance of learning from past incidents and maintaining a continuous improvement mindset. Even in sectors with historically higher risk, many fatal incidents are preventable through well-planned and consistently applied safety measures. Employers are encouraged to review their safety policies regularly, consult workers on risks and solutions, and ensure they remain compliant with relevant regulations.

 Read the full HSE report here