Latest News
Benedict’s Law – Allergy Safety Rrequirments – From 1st September 2026
From 1st September 2026, schools in England will be expected to follow new statutory allergy safety guidence linked to Benedict’s Law.
This means schools must be prepared to manage allergies safely and respond quickly in an emergency. Key requirements include:-
- A clear whole-school allergy policy.
- Allergy and anaphylaxis awareness training for all staff regardless of role.
- Individual care plans for pupils with allergies.
- Spare in-date adrenaline auto-injectors available on site.
- Clear procedures for recognising and responding to allergic reactions.
This applies to schools in England and maintained nursery settings attached to schools are also expected to be included. Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries may not be covered in the same way, but allergy training remains strongly recommended for all early years settings.
We are now offering allergy and anaphylaxis training to help schools and nurseries prepare before September 2026 and ensure staff feel confident, compliant, and ready to respond.
The courses we can offer are:-
- Level 3 Allergy Awareness For Schools (VTQ):- Benedict’s Law eLearning Training (45 Minute eLearning Course) – £24.95 + VAT Per Place.
- Emergency Anaphylaxis Awareness Practical Workshop Training (45 Minute Face To Face Course) – £18.00 + VAT Per Place.
- Anaphylaxis, CPR And AED Awareness Practical Workshop Training (2 Hour Face To Course) – £33.00 + VAT Per Place.
For more information, please visit our dedicated Paediatric section on our webpage.
For more information, please visit our dedicated Paediatric section on our webpage at the following link:-
Updated Paediatric First Aid Guidence – From 1st September 2025
From 1st September 2025, the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) has been updated with stricter requirements for Paediatric First Aid (PFA). To be fully EYFS-compliant. The course required is the Level 3 Paediatric First Aid (12 Hour Course). Please note the Level 3 Emergency Paediatric First Course (6 Hours) does not meet these requirements.
Please refer to:-
Page 29 – Section 3.36/
Key Compliance Points:-
- At least one person with a current PFA certificate must always be on the premises when children are present and must accompany children on outings.
- A qualified paediatric first aider must be present during mealtimes.
- PFA training must be a full course (consistent with Annex A criteria) and renewed every three years.
- Providers must consider staffing numbers, premises layout and ratios to ensure a PFA-qualified staff member can respond quickly to emergencies.
- All Level 2 and 3 staff (since 30 June 2016) must gain a PFA qualification within three months of starting work to be counted in staff: child ratios. Staff on the experience-based route must also hold a valid PFA certificate before inclusion in ratios.
- Certificates (or a list of qualified staff) must be displayed or made available to parents.
Failure to meet these requirements could result in staff not being included in statutory ratios and settings being non-compliant with EYFS regulations.
New Legislation – ‘Spare’ Emergency Auto – Injectors In Schools
New legislation has now been passed, that allows for ‘Spare’ Emergency Adrenaline Auto-Injectors in Schools, Pre-schools and Nurseries. It comes into effect on 1st October 2017. For further information, please refer to the Department Of Health website. Guidance on the Use of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors in Schools.
(https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/645476/Adrenaline_auto_injectors_in_schools.pdf.)
Mental Health First Aid In The Workplace (RQF)
Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure that employees are provided with a safe working environment and must take reasonable care to prevent personal injury (including mental or physical harm) that may arise in the workplace.
Stress, anxiety and depression are the biggest cause of sickness absence in our society. In the UK over half a million workers suffer from mental-health related conditions (this equates to more than one in seven employees). 12.5 million Working days were lost in 2016/17 as a result. In fact, some 12.7% of all sickness absence days can be attributed to mental health conditions.
Providing better mental health support in the workplaces can save UK businesses up to £8 billion per year, as well as improving staff morale and helping to reduce the risk of tragedy (i.e. suicide).
By becoming more aware employers and employees will be able to recognise employees who are suffering from mental health and provide early intervention, leading to a move positive outcome for employees and the organisation reducing suffering and cost.
New Course Level 3 Paediatric First Aid & Level 3 First Aid At Work (Combined Course). This combined course is ideal for those working in schools, nurseries pre-school, play centres, youth groups and sports centres where both First Aid At Work and Paediatric First Aiders are required. Benefits of the course:- reducing training to 3 days instead of 5 days to gain both these qualifications and the combined course is cheaper than the 2 individual courses. These are only available as a group booking, at a cost £195.00 + VAT per person.
Trauma And Bleeding Control Kits In Schools And The Workplace
Following the critical incident at a school in Sheffield on Monday we have had many enquiries about the use of Trauma / Bleeding control kits in schools and workplaces.
Life-changing Bleeding HSE update April 2024.The HSE also states that employer should consider additional bleeding control equipment and training to prepare for such injuries resulting from possible terrorist acts or any other violent incidents.
Having Trauma / Bleeding control kits in schools and workplaces readily available can be the difference between life and death in critical situations. These kits allow:-
- Rapid response to severe bleeding.
- Increased survival rate.
- Preparation for a variety of incidents.
- Compliments other First Aid equipment
What Should A Workplace / School Trauma Kit Include?
Crystal Clear 1st Aid Training Current Life Changing Bleeding: –
- All delegates who have completed a 3-day First Aid At Work course (3 days) over the last 3 years will have completed the Life Changing Bleeding module and will show on their First Aid certificate.
- All delegates who complete the 3 Hour Annual Skills refresher will have completed the Life Changing Bleeding module.
- We also show how to use a Vented Chest Seal.
- Any other First Aid course does not include this on the course as is not part of the syllabus and there is no time to complete. We do however offer this as an additional at the end of the course at a cost of £20.00 + VAT person.
We also offer this as a standalone course for groups of 6 delegates or more. If staff have never completed the training to use this equipment it would be advisable to do so, as used incorrectly can cause further complications.
Essential Items for Your First Aid Kit
The value of a well-stocked first aid kit cannot be overstated. It’s a fundamental tool in managing minor injuries and can be a lifeline in emergency situations, providing necessary treatment until professional medical help arrives.
This increases safety in the workplace and shows a commitment to employee welfare. This blog discusses the benefits of first aid training in the workplace, outlines legal obligations, and explains why it’s a key aspect of employee development.
The Importance Of First Aid In The Workplace
Emergencies at work, such as accidents or sudden health issues, can occur at any moment. Training employees in first aid helps them react immediately, which can lessen the severity of injuries or even be lifesaving. Besides health benefits, trained first aiders boost moral
Whether you’re at home, at work, or travelling, different scenarios demand specific types of first aid kits. For instance, a basic kit for home use might differ from one you’d keep in your car or bring on a hiking trip. Understanding what items are essential in your first aid kit helps you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies. This guide outlines the key components every first aid kit should contain, ensuring you’re well-equipped to handle the most common health emergencies.
Essential Items For Your First Aid Kit
Gloves and Resuscitation Face Shield for personal protection.
Plasters come in Various Sizes and Shapes: A selection of plasters (is vital for covering small cuts and minor injuries). When working with children they should always be hypoallergenic. In outdoor environments they should be waterproof. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Sterile Gauze Dressings:- These are used for larger wounds that plasters cannot cover. Gauze dressings are absorbent, helping to manage bleeding and protect the wound from infection. Used with Micropore or Transpore tape to secure.
Sterile Eye Dressings:- These are specially designed to fit around the eye. They’re useful in situations where the eye is injured or irritated, providing protection without exerting pressure on the eye itself.
Triangular Bandages:- Incredibly versatile, these can be used as slings, to hold splints in place, or even as a makeshift tourniquet in extreme cases. Learning different ways to fold and apply these bandages can be very beneficial.
Tweezers:- A pair of fine-pointed tweezers is essential for removing partially embedded splinters.
Tuff-Cut Scissors:- Scissors are not just for cutting bandages or tape; they can also be used to cut clothing away from a wound if necessary, they are blunt on both ends to prevent accidental injury.
Alcohol-Free Cleansing Wipes:- These are used for cleaning the skin around a wound. Alcohol-free wipes are less irritating to the skin than alcohol-based alternatives. They help in disinfecting the area before applying a dressing.
Wound Dressings:- Used to control more serious bleeds.
Ice Packs:- Used to reduce swellings.
Foil Blanket:- Used to keep patients warm, protect from outdoor weather and protect dignity during treatment.
Additional Items For Your First Aid Kit
Thermometer:- Recommended in the workplace to check for a high temperature if the patient suddenly becomes unwell. If the temperature is above 38 degrees this could indicate Fever, Infection, Sepsis, Heatstroke which can become life-threatening.
Pulse Oximeter:- This applied to the patient will record pulse rate and oxygen levels, helps monitor condition while the arrival of emergency services.
Bleeding Control Kit:- Designed to be used in higher risk workplaces. This requires additional training which we offer free of charge on all our Level 3 First Aid At Work courses (3 day).
Each item in your first aid kit serves a specific purpose, and understanding how to use them effectively is just as important as having them. Regularly check your kit to replenish any used items and replace any that are out of date. Tailoring your first aid kit to your personal needs or specific activities, like camping or sports, can also be very helpful. A well-prepared first aid kit is your first line of defence in managing minor injuries and can play a crucial role in emergency situations.
Employees feel more secure knowing that capable colleagues are ready to help in emergencies. This training promotes a culture of responsibility and teamwork.
Important First Aid Changes For 2025
Key First Aid Changes For 2025
- Call 999 Immediately For An Unconscious Casualty.
- Updated Defibrillator Pad Placement.
- Enhanced Bleeding Control Training.
Bleeding Control
This now being incorporated more widely into some first aid courses. This includes the use of:-
- Tourniquets.
- Haemostatic Dressings.
Severe Bleeding
This is one of the most preventable causes of death. These techniques, when used by trained first aiders, can be lifesaving—particularly in high-risk environments.
Revised Infant CPR Technique
Annual Skills Refresher Training (Recommended)
While not compulsory, the Health and Safety Executive and Early Years Foundation Stages strongly recommend that your staff attend a 3-hour Annual Skills Update session, which will:
- Cover all 2025 first aid changes.
- Provide hands-on practice.
- Include training in tourniquets and haemostatic dressings.