If you work with both adults and children, you may need more than one first aid qualification. A combined First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid course can provide a practical way to gain both qualifications without unnecessarily repeating training.

For employers, arranging separate courses can mean additional time away from work, more administration and potentially higher training costs.

Combining the two qualifications may offer a more efficient approach, particularly for organisations where employees have responsibilities for both workplace first aid and the care of children.

At First Aid and Safety Training, we offer a Combined First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid Course for individuals and organisations looking to meet both training requirements.

In this guide, we explain how the qualifications differ, who may benefit from holding both and what to consider when arranging combined training.

What Is a Combined First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid Course?

A combined First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid course brings together training towards two separate first aid qualifications.

These are:

Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW): A workplace first aid qualification covering a broad range of injuries and medical emergencies.
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid (PFA): A qualification focused on first aid emergencies involving babies and children.

Although there is some overlap between the two courses, each has its own learning outcomes and assessment requirements.

Combined training can take account of this overlap while ensuring learners complete the requirements of both qualifications.

Importantly, completing a First Aid at Work course does not automatically provide a Paediatric First Aid qualification, and completing Paediatric First Aid does not automatically provide First Aid at Work certification.

Both qualifications must be achieved through appropriate training and assessment.

Why Would Someone Need Both FAW and Paediatric First Aid?

Different first aid qualifications are designed to address different environments and responsibilities.

Some people work in settings where both adults and children may require emergency assistance.

For example, a manager may have responsibility for workplace first aid arrangements while also supervising activities involving children.

In these circumstances, an employer’s first aid needs assessment and any applicable childcare requirements may identify a need for both qualifications.

First Aid at Work Responsibilities

First Aid at Work training prepares learners to respond to a range of workplace emergencies.

It is commonly associated with organisations where the first aid needs assessment identifies a requirement for more extensive training than Emergency First Aid at Work.

The qualification includes practical skills for responding to injuries and medical emergencies involving adults.

Paediatric First Aid Responsibilities

Paediatric First Aid training focuses specifically on emergencies involving babies and children.

It is particularly relevant to childcare and early years environments.

The training includes age-appropriate first aid procedures and emergency response techniques.

For childcare providers in England, the applicable Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework sets out specific paediatric first aid requirements.

You can read more about these requirements in the Government’s Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework guidance.

Who Could Benefit from Combined FAW and PFA Training?

A combined First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid course may be suitable for several types of organisation.

Nurseries and Childcare Businesses

Nursery owners, managers and designated workplace first aiders may have responsibilities towards both employees and children.

While paediatric first aid is essential for relevant childcare roles, some organisations may also require a qualified workplace first aider.

Combined training can help organisations address both needs.

Schools and Educational Settings

Schools employ teaching staff, administrative teams, maintenance workers and other employees.

They also have responsibilities towards pupils.

Depending on the school’s first aid needs assessment and applicable requirements, some staff may benefit from holding both workplace and paediatric first aid qualifications.

Children’s Activity Providers

Organisations delivering children’s activities may employ staff who work with both children and adults.

Examples include:

Holiday clubs.
Children’s activity centres.
Sports and recreation providers.
After-school clubs.
Community organisations delivering children’s programmes.

The appropriate qualifications depend on the activities, ages involved, workplace hazards and relevant requirements.

Business Owners and Managers

Some business owners have responsibility for both employee safety and the welfare of children attending their premises or activities.

Holding both qualifications may be useful where the organisation’s needs assessment identifies both requirements.

What Is the Difference Between FAW and Paediatric First Aid?

Although both qualifications teach important first aid skills, they have different areas of emphasis.

First Aid at Work (FAW)	Paediatric First Aid (PFA)
Focuses on workplace first aid emergencies	Focuses on emergencies involving babies and children
Covers a broad range of workplace injuries and illnesses	Covers paediatric injuries and childhood medical emergencies
Supports employers’ workplace first aid arrangements	Supports childcare and early years first aid requirements
Includes adult emergency response techniques	Includes age-appropriate emergency response techniques
Qualification requirements reflect workplace first aid training	Qualification requirements reflect paediatric first aid training

Both courses cover essential principles such as assessing emergencies, recognising life-threatening conditions and responding appropriately.

However, important differences exist in the techniques used for adults, children and babies.

This is why separate qualification requirements must be met.

What Are the Benefits of Combining First Aid Qualifications?

1. Reduce Repeated Learning

First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid share some common principles.

These include:

Assessing an emergency.
Checking for danger.
Calling emergency services.
Recognising serious illness or injury.
Managing certain injuries.
Providing reassurance and monitoring casualties.

A properly structured combined programme can account for overlapping learning without overlooking the specific requirements of either qualification.

2. Reduce Time Away from Work

Training employees separately for two qualifications may require additional time away from their usual duties.

Where combined delivery is appropriate, employers may be able to reduce unnecessary duplication.

The exact time commitment depends on the approved course structure and qualification requirements.

3. Simplify Training Arrangements

Arranging two separate courses can involve multiple bookings, training schedules and administrative processes.

Combined training may make the process easier for employers with several staff members requiring both qualifications.

4. Develop Broader First Aid Skills

Learners can develop first aid knowledge relevant to both adult workplace emergencies and incidents involving children.

This can be particularly useful for employees with varied responsibilities.

5. Support Workplace and Childcare Compliance

Holding both qualifications may help an organisation meet different first aid training needs.

However, qualifications alone do not guarantee compliance.

Employers must ensure that their overall first aid arrangements, staffing, equipment and training meet the requirements relevant to their setting.

Can You Complete Combined FAW and PFA Training Through Blended Learning?

Blended learning combines suitable online learning with practical face-to-face training.

This approach can be useful for employers because some knowledge-based learning may be completed before attending the practical sessions.

However, not every element of first aid training can be completed online.

Practical skills, including CPR and other required first aid techniques, must be taught and assessed in accordance with the relevant qualification requirements.

The availability and structure of blended learning for a combined programme depend on the approved delivery arrangements.

If your organisation is considering combined training, we recommend discussing the available options with us before booking.

For more information about the individual qualifications, see our First Aid at Work course and Paediatric First Aid course.

Will You Receive Two Separate First Aid Qualifications?

The purpose of combined training is to enable eligible learners to work towards both the First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid qualifications.

Each qualification has its own requirements.

Learners must successfully complete the required learning and assessments for both qualifications before the relevant certificates can be awarded.

The qualifications are not interchangeable, even where elements of the training overlap.

At First Aid and Safety Training, we deliver regulated first aid qualifications through Qualsafe Awards, an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation.

When discussing a combined course, we can explain the qualification arrangements and assessment requirements that apply.

How Long Are First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid Certificates Valid?

First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid qualifications are normally valid for three years.

Learners should complete the appropriate requalification training before their certificates expire.

The Health and Safety Executive also strongly recommends annual refresher training for workplace first aiders.

Refresher training helps maintain confidence and provides opportunities to practise important emergency skills.

Employers should keep accurate records of qualifications and expiry dates to ensure their first aid arrangements remain suitable.

For further information, visit the Health and Safety Executive’s First Aid at Work guidance.

Is a Combined FAW and PFA Course Right for Your Organisation?

Before arranging training, employers should consider several questions.

Do employees need both qualifications?

Check the organisation’s workplace first aid needs assessment and any additional requirements relating to children.

Which staff members require training?

Some employees may need only FAW or PFA, while others may benefit from both.

How many people require training?

If several employees need both qualifications, arranging combined training may be more practical.

Would onsite training be suitable?

Onsite training may help employers coordinate learning for their teams.

What delivery arrangements are available?

Ask about the course structure, practical sessions, assessments and any available blended learning options.

Taking the time to identify these requirements can help avoid unnecessary training and ensure staff receive suitable qualifications.

Can You Get First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid Qualifications Together

Frequently Asked Questions About Combined FAW and PFA Training

Can I Get Two First Aid Qualifications from One Course?

Yes, a properly structured combined training programme can enable learners to achieve two separate qualifications, provided all learning and assessment requirements are met.

Does First Aid at Work Include Paediatric First Aid?

No. Although there is some overlap in the skills taught, First Aid at Work does not automatically award a Paediatric First Aid qualification.

Does Paediatric First Aid Count as First Aid at Work?

Not automatically. Employers must determine whether a qualification is appropriate for their workplace first aid needs and any applicable regulatory requirements.

Is Combined First Aid Training Suitable for Nursery Managers?

It may be useful for nursery managers who have responsibilities for both staff workplace first aid and children’s emergency care.

The decision should be based on the nursery’s specific requirements.

Can Combined FAW and PFA Training Be Delivered Onsite?

Onsite training may be available for organisations with suitable facilities and enough learners.

Contact First Aid and Safety Training to discuss your requirements.

Are Both Qualifications Valid for Three Years?

Both FAW and PFA qualifications are normally valid for three years. Employers should monitor certificate expiry dates and arrange suitable requalification training.

Book a Combined First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid Course

If your organisation requires both workplace and paediatric first aid qualifications, combining the training may offer a practical way to develop staff skills while reducing unnecessary duplication.

At First Aid and Safety Training, we help individuals and businesses across the North East access practical, recognised first aid qualifications.

We can discuss your organisation’s training needs, the available course arrangements and whether combined training is the right option.

Real Skills, Real Confidence.

Explore Our Combined First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid Course

Alternatively, contact First Aid and Safety Training to discuss your requirements or enquire about onsite training.