Are Schools Ready for Ofsted’s First Aid and Safeguarding Checks?
Preparing for an Ofsted inspection can be stressful. While much of the focus is on teaching quality, curriculum, and pupil outcomes, Ofsted inspectors also look at safeguarding and health & safety — including your school’s first aid provision.
So, how can schools make sure they’re inspection-ready when it comes to first aid and safeguarding?
What Ofsted Expects
Ofsted’s safeguarding framework requires schools to have:
Adequate first aid provision for both staff and pupils.
Paediatric first aid trained staff in early years settings, in line with EYFS requirements.
Clear policies for managing medical conditions and emergencies.
Evidence that staff training is up to date and appropriate for the age groups they care for.
Common Gaps Found During Inspections
Schools sometimes fall short in areas such as:
Out-of-date first aid certificates (e.g. staff not renewed within 3 years).
Insufficient paediatric first aid cover in nurseries or reception classes.
Unclear records of which staff are trained and when refreshers are due.
No defibrillator training, even when a defib is on-site.
These gaps can raise safeguarding concerns and may affect inspection outcomes.
How Schools Can Stay Inspection-Ready
Carry out a first aid needs assessment – This helps you identify how many trained staff you need, which courses are required, and where cover might be lacking.
👉 Download our free First Aid Needs Assessment template hereSchedule training in advance – Don’t wait until certificates expire; plan ahead so you’re always compliant.
Mix physical and mental health training – Ofsted now places emphasis on both. Having staff trained in Mental Health Awareness or as Wellbeing Ambassadors shows commitment to pupil and staff wellbeing.
Keep records up to date – Maintain a clear log of training dates, expiry dates, and upcoming refreshers. At First Steps we keep your learner records also in case anything gets misplaced.
Training Options for Schools
At First Steps First Aid Ltd, we help schools across Hampshire and the surrounding counties prepare for inspections with:
Paediatric First Aid (2 days) – Meeting EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
Emergency First Aid at Work (1 day) – Covering workplace first aid for school staff.
First Aid for Schools (4 Hours) - Training tailored for all schools staff (CPR, first aid and medical emergencies).
Defibrillator (AED) Training – Ensuring staff can use life-saving equipment confidently.
Mental Health Training – From awareness to ambassador level, available UK-wide via video call.
Why Schools Choose Us
Registered paramedic trainers – bringing real-world emergency experience.
Flexible delivery – training at your school, at our Portsmouth centre, or online.
Inspection-ready support – advice on record keeping, refresher reminders, and compliance.
Keep Your School Confident and Compliant
Don’t let a small oversight impact your Ofsted inspection. Make sure your first aid and safeguarding provision is covered.
👉 Book first aid and mental health training for your school today - Email us at Info@firststepsfirstaid.co.uk
