before children arrive and the setting becomes fully operational.

In February 2026, First Aid and Safety Training delivered the face-to-face practical element of a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid blended learning course for six members of the new Little Wings Nursery team.

The practical training took place at Bowburn Primary School in Durham on 20 February, while Little Wings was preparing to open.

This meant the learners weren’t simply completing another qualification. They were developing first aid skills they could soon be responsible for using with the babies and children in their care.

First Aid Training Before a New Nursery Opens

Opening a nursery involves preparing premises, policies, equipment and staff for the arrival of children.

Paediatric first aid needs to be part of that preparation.

The Little Wings group included people who would have different responsibilities within the new setting, including staff working directly with children and staff supporting wider nursery operations.

That included a member of the nursery and school kitchen team.

Having different members of the new team training together created opportunities to discuss not only individual first aid skills, but how staff could respond together if an emergency happened after the nursery opened.

Paediatric First Aid and the EYFS

Paediatric first aid provision is particularly important within early years settings because the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets specific requirements for paediatric first aid.

Nurseries therefore need to consider their first aid provision as part of their wider staffing arrangements.

However, having the required qualification is only part of the picture.

If a baby is choking, a child becomes unresponsive or someone experiences a serious allergic reaction, staff need enough confidence to actually put their training into practice.

That’s why practical training formed such an important part of the Little Wings course.

You can read more about Paediatric First Aid certificate validity and EYFS requirements in our separate guide.

How the Blended Paediatric First Aid Course Worked

Before attending the practical training day, learners completed six hours of e-learning.

The online element developed their knowledge across subjects including:

casualty assessment
shock and hypoxia
asthma and diabetes
seizures and febrile convulsions
meningitis and sepsis
burns
fractures
head injuries
allergic reactions and anaphylaxis

Completing this learning beforehand meant the face-to-face day could concentrate heavily on practical skills, scenarios, discussion and assessment.

Our guide to online and blended Paediatric First Aid training explains how the different approaches work.

Practical Skills for a New Nursery Team

The face-to-face session gave the Little Wings team opportunities to physically practise the first aid skills they could need when caring for babies and children.

Practical training included:

infant and child CPR
using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
managing an unconscious infant or child
responding to infant and child choking
controlling external bleeding
recognising and managing shock
responding to anaphylaxis
managing fractures and other injuries
responding to head, neck and spinal injuries

Learners practised techniques repeatedly and received feedback throughout the session.

For a team preparing to work together in a new nursery, this also provided opportunities to discuss how emergencies might be managed within their own setting.

Turning Nursery Scenarios into Practical Training

An important part of first aid training for a new nursery is making the scenarios recognisable.

Rather than treating every emergency as an abstract classroom exercise, we could discuss situations the Little Wings team might encounter after opening.

What happens if a baby begins choking?

How would staff respond if a child had a serious allergic reaction at snack time?

What if a child fell and suffered a head injury?

Who would call the emergency services while another member of staff provided first aid?

Questions like these help learners think beyond simply remembering a technique.

They begin to consider how the whole response could work within their actual nursery environment.

Building Confidence as a Team

Because Little Wings was preparing to launch, the course also provided an opportunity for the new team to learn together.

Learners could ask questions, discuss potential situations and practise alongside colleagues who may be present if a genuine emergency occurs.

The atmosphere was relaxed and supportive, while still maintaining the focus needed for practical training and assessment.

Several learners commented specifically on how engaging they found the training.

First aid training for a new nursery team at Little Wings in Durham — #image_title

What Did the Little Wings Team Think?

“Useful, informative and engaging, held interest throughout, thank you.” – Caitlyn

“Excellent trainers for Paediatric first aid.” – Janet

“First time that I have really enjoyed first aid training.” – Iryne

“Very useful content and engaging teaching.” – Lily

“Great experience.” – Olena

“Excellent trainers, essential skills for staff in the school and nursery kitchen.” – Jill

All six learners successfully completed the qualification.

For a team preparing to open a new nursery, the objective wasn’t simply to obtain certificates. It was to make sure staff had practised the skills and felt better prepared for the responsibility of caring for children.

Planning First Aid Training for a New Nursery

The Little Wings course is a good example of why first aid training for a new nursery is best considered before the setting opens rather than left until the last minute.

Training early gives staff time to complete any required online learning, attend practical training and make first aid provision part of the nursery’s wider preparations.

First Aid and Safety Training provides Paediatric First Aid training for nurseries and early years settings, including blended training options.

For nurseries in County Durham, we can also provide onsite first aid training at your premises.

Individuals and smaller groups can view our upcoming first aid courses in Durham.

If you’re opening a nursery, expanding an existing early years setting or need to train additional members of your team, contact First Aid and Safety Training to discuss your requirements.

You can also view our Durham training location and reviews on Google.