IMPORTANT FIRST AID UPDATE FOR EARLY YEARS SERVICES
Tusla’s Early Years Inspectorate has issued a new Regulatory Notice clarifying the first aid requirements for pre-school services, effective September 2026.
A key update is the inclusion of the new PHECC-accredited:
First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid
This one-day accredited course is now included on Tusla’s list of PHECC qualifications considered to meet the first aid training requirements of the Early Years Regulations.
The full list recognised by Tusla now includes:
• Emergency First Responder
• Emergency Medical Technician / Paramedic
• Advanced Paramedic
• First Aid Responder (FAR)
• First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid
What does this mean for services?
Under Regulation 25(1), a person trained in first aid for children must be immediately available to children at all times while the service is operating.
Services must also ensure:
• At least one appropriately trained person is available during operation
• At least one trained person is available on outings
• Staffing and first aid provision reflect the service’s documented risk assessment, size, hazards, children’s needs and rosters
• A list of trained staff is maintained
• Certificates are current and available
• PHECC-accredited training is delivered through a PHECC Recognised/Approved Training Institution
❗Important: This does not remove an employer’s separate obligations under Health & Safety legislation regarding workplace first aid provision. Your requirements under health and safety legislation should therefore also be considered.
The key takeaway?
FAR is not the only first aid qualification recognised by Tusla for Early Years regulatory purposes. The new PHECC First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid course is now expressly included.
Early Years providers should review their current first aid certificates, staff rosters and risk assessments to ensure their arrangements remain compliant.
Download Document HERE
