Keeping up with shifting regulations in the early years sector can be a daunting task for managers. However, with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework updates now fully in effect as of September 2025, it is more important than ever to ensure your staff training meets the new legal standards.

These updates aren’t just administrative; they are designed to strengthen child safety, particularly around emergency response, staff ratios, and mealtime supervision. Here is everything your setting needs to know to stay compliant in 2026.

The Big Shift: Who Counts in Your Ratios?

Historically, the EYFS required at least one person with a full Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate to always be on the premises. While this core rule remains, the scope of who must be trained to count towards your statutory staff-to-child ratios has expanded.

1. Students and Apprentices

Since September 2025, any early year’s students, trainees, or apprentices (aged 16+) must hold a valid PFA certificate if they are to be included in your statutory staff-to-child ratios. Without this, they are considered "supernumerary" (extra staff) and cannot be used to meet legal ratio requirements.

"Amendments to ensure that early year’s students and trainees are required to have paediatric first aid (PFA) training for them to be included in ratios..."

[Source: GOV.UK / Help for Early Years Providers]

2. The Experience-Based Route (EBR)

Staff who have qualified via the new "Experience-Based Route" must now also hold a valid PFA certificate to be counted within your Level 3 ratios. This ensures that even those qualifying through non-traditional paths have the same life-saving skills as their peers.

PFA vs. EPFA: Which One Do You Need?

One of the most common points of confusion for managers is the difference between the Full Paediatric First Aid (PFA) and the Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA).

Full Paediatric First Aid (PFA)

Duration 12 Hours (minimum)

EYFS Role Mandatory for the designated first aider on-site and on outings.

Ratio Compliance Required for all staff qualifying at Level 2/3 and all students/apprentices.

Course Content Comprehensive: Includes chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes), head injuries, and fractures.

Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA)

Duration 6 Hours (minimum)

EYFS Role Supplementary; does not meet the "lead" requirement

Ratio Compliance Not sufficient for students or new qualifiers to be counted in ratios.

Course Content Fast-paced: Focuses on life-threatening emergencies (CPR, choking, bleeding).

The Strategy: Most successful settings ensure all permanent staff hold the Full 12-hour PFA, while using the 6-hour EPFA for temporary or support staff to ensure there is always a "first responder" in every room.

Safer Eating: A New Priority

Choking remains a leading cause of accidental death in young children. The updated framework now formalizes the role of first aid during mealtimes.

First Aid Presence During Meals

The guidance now explicitly states that a staff member with a valid PFA qualification must be present in the room during mealtimes and snack times. This ensures that if a choking incident or an allergic reaction occurs, an expert is mere seconds away.

"At any time when children are eating, a paediatric first aid (PFA) trained member of staff must be present."

– [Source: Department for Education / EYFS Safeguarding Reforms]

2026 Compliance & Audit Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your setting meets the 2026 standards:

1. The Ratio & Training Audit

• [ ] Apprentices & Students: Identify all apprentices (16+) or students. Do they have a valid Full PFA? (If not, they cannot be counted in your ratios).
• [ ] New Qualifiers: Ensure all staff who achieved a Level 2 or 3 qualification after June 2016 have obtained a PFA/EPFA within 3 months of starting.
• [ ] Certificate Expiry: Check all PFA certificates. They must be renewed every 3 years. (Note: Annual 3-hour refreshers are strongly recommended by the DfE).

2. Operational Safety

• [ ] Mealtime Rota: Is there at least one PFA-qualified person in the room while children are eating?
• [ ] Outings Policy: Does a PFA-qualified staff member accompany children on every trip off-site?
• [ ] Emergency Contacts: Do you hold at least two emergency contact numbers for every child? (A mandatory 2025 safeguarding update).

3. Provider Verification

• [ ] Accreditation: Is your training provider recognized by an Awarding Organisation (e.g., Ofqual, SQA) or a body like the First Aid Industry Body (FAIB)?

Don't leave your compliance to chance.

As a professional training provider, we offer fully EYFS-compliant 12-hour PFA and 6-hour EPFA courses tailored to early years settings.

References:

• EYFS Statutory Framework (GOV.UK)
• Early years qualification requirements and standards (Jan 2026)

Safeguarding Reforms (Foundation Years)