There are three areas of guidance / legislation that a school should consider when carrying out a first aid needs assessment:
The legislation that covers first aid for adults in the workplace is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. On the 1st October 2009, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) updated the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 guidance (First Aid at work - The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 L74) employers.
As an employer, a school is legally required to undertake a First Aid Needs Assessment in line with the new HSE guidance. Full details of how to perform a new-style First Aid Needs Assessment can be found by following the First Aid Risk Assessment Guidance.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) produced on First Aid for Schools: A Good Practice Guide in 1998. This guide has not yet been updated to reflect the new HSE guidance, but if you include staff, pupils and visitors when performing the new-style HSE First Aid Needs Assessment, you will satisfy the existing guidance from the DCSF as this document refers to the HSE providing guidance on the numbers of first aid personnel.
You can download the DCSF guide at: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/4421/gfas.pdf
As part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), there is a requirement for early years settings who care for 0 to 5 year olds to have a first aider who has completed a specific course in paediatric first aid available at all times.
The EYFS specifies the topics that should be covered on the course and a minimum duration of 12 hours. There are 2 parts to the EYFS, the Statutory Framework and Guidance. Both can be downloaded here: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachingandlearning/eyfs/ (search for ‘first aid').
Off-site activities (e.g. school trips) - If first aid personnel accompany pupils off-site, there should be adequate first aid provision both in the school and on the trip.
Out of hour's activities - Adequate provision is needed at all times including before and after school clubs, residential visits and sports activities etc.
Lunch and breaks times - As prompt first aid cover should be available at all times, first aid training for lunchtime supervisors should be considered.
Specific needs - Staff or pupils with any special health needs or disabilities should be considered.
