The Department for Education and Employment (DFEE) have produced a number of guidelines for schools with respect to the provision of first aid and we have summarised this advice within this section.

 

Under health and safety legislation employers have to ensure that there are adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities for providing first aid in the workplace. It is for schools and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) top develop their own policies and procedures, based on the assessment of local need.

 

We have a team of first aid experts at the First Aid Warehouse that can assist and advise your school with the assessment of your first aid requirements and if you would like to take advantage of this free advice service please do not hesitate to contact us via email schools@firstaidwarehouse.co.uk or on 08456 121217.

 

Most schools will already have first aid arrangements in place and the advice given within this section draws on good practice that is exists in many school today. It will assist in providing advice for schools that are drawing up first aid policies and ensure that you meet your statutory duties.

 

The questions of what should go in a first aid kit are also addressed, not only by stating the DFEE and HSE recommended content, but also by incorporating the feedback that we have received specifically from our school nurses working party – after all the best people to advise what should be in kits are the people that use them 24-7.

 

The advice is drawn from extensive consultation with teacher unions, LEAs, health services and voluntary organisations, and whilst providing the best possible advice it does not constitute an authoritative legal interpretation of the provisions of any enactment or regulations or the common law.