Essential Child Safety: QualCert Level 3 EPFA Award
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid at Work (EPFA) is a specialized certification designed to equip candidates with the essential skills and knowledge to manage medical emergencies involving children in the workplace or professional settings. This course focuses on practical first aid techniques for infants and young children, including CPR, choking management, bleeding control, burns, fractures, and other paediatric emergencies.
Ideal for childcare professionals, teachers, supervisors, and staff responsible for the safety of children, this award combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical training. Candidates learn to respond confidently and effectively to emergencies, ensuring the health and safety of children until professional medical assistance arrives.
By completing the QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid at Work (EPFA), candidates enhance their ability to provide immediate life-saving care, improve paediatric emergency preparedness, and maintain compliance with workplace health and safety regulations. This qualification is recognized internationally and is essential for anyone working with children in professional or educational settings.
Program Framework
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid at Work (EPFA), offers 6 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 30 hours, including 18 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC14019-1 | Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of the Paediatric First Aider | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14019-2 | Assessing an Emergency Situation and Prioritising Action | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14019-3 | Providing First Aid to an Unresponsive Infant or Child | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14019-4 | Administering CPR and Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14019-5 | Managing Paediatric Choking, Shock, and External Bleeding | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14019-6 | Managing Seizures, Minor Injuries and Common Childhood Illnesses | 1 | 3 | 5 |
Eligibility Criteria
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid at Work (EPFA) is designed for candidates who want to gain essential paediatric first aid knowledge and practical skills to respond confidently to child emergencies in the workplace. The following entry requirements ensure candidates are prepared for the course:
- Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 16 years old or meet local workplace training regulations.
- Educational Background: Candidates should have basic literacy and comprehension skills to understand course materials and complete assessments.
- Experience: No prior paediatric first aid experience is required, although familiarity with childcare or workplace safety procedures is advantageous.
- Professional Experience: Ideal for childcare staff, teachers, supervisors, or employees responsible for the safety of children in the workplace.
- Language Proficiency: Candidates should have sufficient English proficiency to follow instructions, read course content, and actively participate in practical exercises.
Proficiency Targets
Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of the Paediatric First Aider
- Legal responsibilities and workplace regulations (including EYFS and Ofsted compliance)
- Understanding infection control and personal safety
- Consent, communication, and child safeguarding principles
- Recording and reporting accidents or incidents
Assessing an Emergency Situation and Prioritising Action
- Conducting a scene survey and primary assessment (DR ABC)
- Prioritising actions in line with the severity of the incident
- Calling for emergency medical help and coordinating with others
Providing First Aid to an Unresponsive Infant or Child
- Identifying levels of consciousness in infants and children
- Placing a child or infant in the recovery position safely
- Monitoring breathing and maintaining an open airway
Administering CPR and Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Performing effective CPR on infants and children
- Safe and appropriate use of an AED
- Coordinating with emergency services during CPR and AED use
Managing Paediatric Choking, Shock, and External Bleeding
- Recognising and treating partial and full airway obstructions
- Identifying signs of shock and administering correct first aid
- Treating and dressing external bleeding and wounds
Managing Seizures, Minor Injuries and Common Childhood Illnesses
- Types and management of seizures and febrile convulsions
- Treating minor injuries such as cuts, grazes, bumps, nosebleeds, and splinters
- Recognising symptoms and providing care for common illnesses (e.g. asthma, allergic reactions, diabetes)
Ideal Participants
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid at Work (EPFA) is specifically designed for individuals who have a responsibility to provide first aid care to infants and children in a workplace or childcare setting.
This course is ideal for:
- Early years practitioners, including nursery and pre-school staff
- Primary school teachers, teaching assistants, and classroom support staff
- Childminders and nannies working in home-based settings
- After-school club leaders, sports coaches, and youth group workers
- Parents and guardians who wish to gain essential emergency first aid knowledge
- Volunteers and support staff involved in child-focused activities or care
- Staff working in environments regulated by Ofsted or under the EYFS statutory framework, where paediatric first aid provision is a legal requirement
It is particularly suitable for those who may not need the full two-day paediatric first aid qualification but still require the essential skills and knowledge to deal with emergency situations involving children and infants.
Assessment and Verification
Assessment Framework :
The qualification is assessed through a structured Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ)–based examination, designed to measure both theoretical understanding and practical application of knowledge. Key features of the assessment framework include:
- Evidence-Based Assessment:
MCQs are developed using industry-aligned standards to ensure the assessment reflects real-world competencies and current professional practices. - Structured Examination Format:
The exam consists of scenario-based and knowledge-based MCQs, requiring learners to demonstrate critical thinking and subject mastery. - Performance Threshold:
Learners must obtain a minimum score of 70% to successfully complete the qualification. This benchmark ensures that every certified learner meets QualCert’s required level of competence. - Assessment Integrity:
All assessments are conducted under controlled, secure conditions at approved training centres to maintain fairness, consistency, and integrity.
Quality Assurance & Verification :
QualCert applies a comprehensive, multi-layered quality assurance system to uphold international standards and ensure the reliability of all assessment outcomes.
1. Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
Conducted by the approved training centre:
- Assessment Review:
Centre-approved Assessors and Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) review learner evidence, scoring accuracy, and compliance with assessment criteria. - Standardisation Activities:
Regular standardisation meetings are conducted within centres to ensure consistent marking practices across all assessors. - Continuous Improvement:
IQAs provide feedback to Assessors to enhance assessment delivery, marking reliability, and learner support.
2. External Quality Assurance (EQA)
Conducted by QualCert:
- Independent Verification:
QualCert External Quality Assurers review a sample of learner assessments to confirm accuracy, consistency, and compliance with QualCert and regulatory standards. - Centre Compliance Audits:
EQAs examine centre procedures, assessor qualifications, assessment environments, and record-keeping to ensure full adherence to quality assurance policies. - Quality and Standards Validation:
EQAs verify that assessment decisions are fair, valid, reliable, and aligned with national and international benchmarks. - Final Approval:
Once the EQA is satisfied that all quality standards have been met, the centre’s results are approved, and QualCert officially releases the certification to the learner.
QualCert delivers all qualifications exclusively through its global network of officially approved training centres.
For registration, guidance, or programme details, please contact your nearest approved training centre.