How do the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 relate to first aid provision in schools?
Employers are responsible for the provision of appropriate first aid equipment and facilities and trained first aiders in respect of their employees - this includes schools, as they are workplaces. However, the Regulations do not oblige employers to provide first aid for anyone else. Nevertheless, HSE strongly encourages employers, which would also include schools, to consider others when carrying out their assessment of first aid needs and to make provision for them.
The Department for Education and Skills (DFES) has guidance on how this relates to schools - Guidance on First Aid for Schools. In this context the legal responsibilities of the schools and LEAs stem from their common law duty to look after children in their care.
Where can I get more information about first aid in schools?
More information is available in the DFES Guidance on First Aid
