The Department for Education has updated their first aid guidance for schools, colleges and early years

The DfE guidance First aid in schools, early years and further education or first aid in schools has been updated. This outlines the requirements for schools, colleges and early years providers in terms of first aid.

Although there is very little new, the DfE have formalised existing advice and inputted the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 into this useful webpage resource.

The implications of this guidance will be different based on individual school circumstances and needs. For this reason, the guidance stresses that a first aid needs assessment to be conducted. The guidance goes into more detail about this.

Handsam encourages employers to update their first aid policy as soon as possible so that it gives reference to the updated guidance. If the organisation has a separate medicines policy, this too should be reviewed.

The key points in the guidance are:

• Early years guidance: the previous version of this did not include any information for early years providers. Now, there is a standalone section covering guidance on paediatric first aid training, equipment and reporting requirements.
• First aid policies: schools should have first aid policies in place that are informed by a first aid needs assessment. DfE's 'Statutory policies for schools and academy trusts' guidance clarifies that schools are not required to have a specific first aid policy, but should follow the first aid guidance.
• First aiders: to qualify as a first aider individuals should undergo appropriate training and hold a valid certificate. There is information about selecting first aiders from staff and what they will be expected to do.
• Appointed persons: where an employer’s assessment of first aid needs identifies that a designated first aider is not required, an employer must appoint a person to take charge of the first aid arrangements.
• Training: the employer should ensure their first aid staff have received appropriate training delivered by a competent provider. There is information about first aid provision, certificates, specific needs of the school and HSE guidance for employers.
• Recording and reporting: schools and colleges should keep a record of all incidents which require first aid. There is information about what should be included in this record and advice about RIDDOR.
• Information for staff: employers should inform employees, pupils and visitors of first aid arrangement, policies and the location of equipment, facilities and first aiders. They should know how to contact a first aider and keep everyone informed.
• Insurance: employers should check they have adequate insurance and cover in place.
• First aid containers: more information has been added about needs to be included in the organisation’s first aid kit and travel first aid kit. Organisations are also encouraged to purchase an AED.
• Accommodation: the need for a suitable first aid room in keeping with the first aid needs assessment.
• Administration of medicines: information about helping pupils take their own medication and individual healthcare plans.
• Mental health: organisations are encouraged to identify a senior mental health lead. DfE has published guidance to help schools identify whether a young person’s behaviour is linked to an underlying mental health issue, and how to support them. There is also information about managing mental ill-health in the workplace and first aid training courses covering mental health.