First Aid Training Compliance and Quality Standards
First Aid Training Compliance
Why First Aid Training Compliance Matters
First aid training compliance is essential for employers, childcare providers and organisations to meet their legal and duty of care responsibilities.
This page explains how regulated qualifications, inspections and recognised standards help ensure training is suitable, defensible and compliant.
Employers, schools, early years settings and organisations have a responsibility to ensure that any first aid training they commission:
- Meets recognised national standards
- Is suitable for the workplace or setting
- Can be evidenced if inspected or challenged
- Is delivered by competent, qualified instructors
At First Aid and Safety Training, compliance and quality are central to everything we do.
Ofqual-Regulated First Aid Compliance and Qualifications Explained
Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) is the UK government regulator for qualifications in England.
When a first aid qualification is Ofqual regulated, it means that:
- The qualification meets nationally agreed standards
- The content, assessment and outcomes are quality assured
- The awarding organisation is externally regulated
- Certificates are recognised by employers, inspectors and enforcement bodies
- There is accountability if standards are not met
This is why many workplace, childcare and care sector settings specifically require Ofqual-regulated first aid qualifications.
Why Ofqual-Regulated Training Protects You
Choosing Ofqual-regulated first aid training helps ensure that you are compliant with:
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance for workplace first aid
- EYFS requirements for paediatric first aid
- Insurance and liability expectations
- Internal audits and external inspections
If an incident occurs, regulated training provides clear evidence that:
- Appropriate training was selected
- National standards were followed
- Staff were trained competently and assessed properly
This protects both the organisation and the individuals involved.
Our Commitment to First Aid Training Compliance and Regulated Training
First Aid and Safety Training delivers qualifications that are:
- RQF regulated
- Ofqual recognised
- Issued by Qualsafe Awards
- Assessed through a combination of practical skills and knowledge checks
- Delivered in line with current national guidance
We do not offer “tick-box” training or self-certified qualifications.
EYFS First Aid Training Compliance Explained (Early Years Settings)
First Aid Training Requirements Under the EYFS
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework places a clear duty on childcare providers to ensure that appropriate first aid provision is in place at all times.
This includes:
- Having staff with Paediatric First Aid training
- Ensuring training is suitable, current, and appropriate for the setting
- Being able to evidence training during inspection
While the EYFS does not name a specific awarding body, it expects providers to select training that meets recognised national standards and can be justified if reviewed by Ofsted or a local authority.
Why Ofqual-Regulated Paediatric First Aid Matters for EYFS
Choosing an Ofqual-regulated Paediatric First Aid qualification provides reassurance that the training:
- Meets nationally recognised standards
- Has defined learning outcomes and assessment criteria
- Is quality assured by an external regulator
- Includes practical, in-person skills assessment
- Is suitable for inspection and audit
In an EYFS setting, this matters because providers must be able to demonstrate due diligence, not just state that training has taken place.
Ofqual-regulated qualifications provide a clear audit trail and nationally recognised benchmark.
Risks of Using Non-Regulated or Online-Only Training in EYFS Settings
Some paediatric first aid training marketed to childcare providers is:
- Not Ofqual regulated
- Delivered fully online
- Self-certified by the provider
- Labelled as “EYFS compliant” without external regulation
While these courses may raise awareness, they may not be sufficient where:
- Practical competence is required
- Inspection evidence is requested
- An incident is reviewed after the event
EYFS providers remain responsible for ensuring that training is appropriate and defensible, regardless of how it is marketed.
What Inspectors May Expect to See
During inspection or review, providers may be asked to show:
- Paediatric First Aid certificates
- Certificate validity dates
- Evidence that training includes practical assessment
- Confirmation that training aligns with EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements
Using Ofqual-regulated Paediatric First Aid training helps ensure these expectations can be met with confidence.
Our Approach to EYFS Paediatric First Aid
When delivering Paediatric First Aid for EYFS settings, we ensure:
- Training meets recognised national standards
- Learners are practically assessed, not just tested online
- Certification is clear, traceable, and current
- Advice is provided on refresher and requalification timelines
If you are unsure whether your current training meets EYFS expectations, we are happy to review it with you
What About First Aid Compliance For Large National Organisations?
Some well-known organisations, such as St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross, deliver high-quality first aid training and play an important role in public education and emergency response.
It is important to understand, however, that:
- Not all first aid training delivered by large organisations is Ofqual regulated
- Some courses are designed for awareness or community skills, not workplace compliance
- Course suitability depends on your legal and regulatory requirements
This is why employers must always check whether a course is Ofqual regulated, rather than relying on brand recognition alone.
The Risks of Non-Regulated or Self-Regulated First Aid Training
There is a growing amount of first aid training available that is:
- Not Ofqual regulated
- Self-certified by the training provider
- Delivered online only, with no practical assessment
- Marketed as “equivalent” without external regulation
While some non-regulated training may be useful for general awareness, it carries risks when used for workplace or statutory compliance.
Potential risks include:
- Training not meeting HSE or EYFS expectations
- No external quality assurance
- Inconsistent assessment standards
- Certificates that may not be accepted by inspectors or insurers
- Increased liability if training is challenged after an incident
In serious cases, organisations may discover after an incident that their training does not meet the required standard.
Why “Equivalent” Does Not Mean Regulated
Some providers advertise first aid courses as:
- “Equivalent to Ofqual”
- “Industry recognised”
- “Meets HSE guidance”
These phrases do not mean the qualification is regulated.
Only qualifications listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications are independently regulated and quality assured.
If a course is not Ofqual regulated, there is:
- No independent oversight
- No national standard enforcement
- No regulator to escalate concerns to
Our Approach: First Aid Training Compliance First and Always
At First Aid and Safety Training:
- We advise honestly on which course is actually required
- We will tell you if a regulated qualification is not necessary
- We will not oversell training that is unsuitable
- We support employers, schools and organisations with evidence and documentation
Our goal is to make sure you are confident, compliant, and properly protected.
Need Advice on Course Selection?
If you are unsure:
- Which first aid course you need
- Whether your setting requires Ofqual regulation
- If a current certificate is suitable
Contact us to get the advice and support you deserve.
