CIW First Aid Compliance Checklist
What inspectors check for first aid readiness at Welsh nurseries and childcare settings
Could you handle a medical emergency right now?
CIW inspectors don't just check that you have a first aid box — they check who's qualified, what's in the kit, where it's kept, and how you record treatment. They'll ask staff directly about procedures.
This checklist covers everything CIW looks for — so your first aid compliance is always inspection-ready.
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✓ Staff Qualifications & Training
When children are present, a staff member with a valid 12-hour paediatric first aid certificate must be on the premises. This includes during outdoor activities, trips, and forest school.
Check every first aider's certificate date. Expired certificates mean you may not meet minimum staffing requirements.
Training must be from a recognised provider (e.g., St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, or an HSE-approved provider). Online-only certificates are generally not accepted.
Every member of staff should know who is first aid trained on each shift. Display first aider names prominently.
What happens when your first aider is off sick? You need a contingency plan. CIW will ask about this.
🩹 First Aid Kit Contents & Location
Each room, including outdoor areas, should have a stocked first aid kit. Kits must be out of children's reach but immediately accessible to staff.
Check contents monthly. Replace used items immediately. Sterile items have expiry dates — check them. A kit with expired contents is as bad as no kit.
Assorted plasters (including hypoallergenic), sterile dressings, triangular bandages, safety pins, disposable gloves, sterile eye pads, micropore tape, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, instant cold packs, burns dressings, and a first aid guidance leaflet.
Medicines (including paracetamol, antihistamines, and inhalers) must be stored separately with proper medication administration records and parental consent.
A travel first aid kit should accompany children on any trip or outing away from the setting, along with emergency contact details and medication.
📝 Recording & Reporting First Aid
Record: child's name, date, time, nature of injury/illness, treatment given, name of first aider, and any follow-up actions. Records must be kept for a minimum of 21 years.
Parents must be notified on the same day, ideally at collection. For head injuries or serious incidents, contact parents immediately.
CIW inspectors will ask to see your accident records. They should be well-organised, legible, and show patterns are being monitored.
Certain injuries must be reported to CIW within specific timeframes. RIDDOR-reportable incidents must also be reported to the HSE. Know the thresholds.
If children keep getting hurt in the same area or the same way, your risk assessment should reflect changes you've made. Inspectors look for this evidence of learning.
💊 Medication Administration
No medication — prescription or over-the-counter — should be administered without written parental consent. This includes inhalers, EpiPens, and Calpol.
All medication must be in a locked cabinet or container, out of reach of children. Items requiring refrigeration must be stored in a designated, clean container in the fridge.
Medication must show the child's name, dosage, and expiry date. Never accept unlabelled or decanted medication.
Children with allergies, asthma, epilepsy, or other conditions should have a detailed health care plan agreed with parents and shared with all relevant staff.
🏥 Emergency Procedures
At least two emergency contacts for each child, immediately available to staff. Include GP details and any medical conditions/allergies.
All staff should know when to call 999, what information to give, and who stays with the child while another makes the call.
Clear process: who goes, who stays with the other children, how parents are contacted, what documentation goes with the child.
Staff trained to recognise allergic reactions. EpiPens accessible (not locked away). Action plans displayed with photos where consent is given.
🔍 What CIW Inspectors Look For
Inspectors look for settings that go beyond tick-box compliance. Do staff feel confident? Are children taught basic safety? Is first aid part of your daily practice?
Accident records should be consistent in format, complete in detail, and show that patterns are being monitored and acted upon.
Inspectors may ask any staff member — not just the manager — about first aid procedures. Everyone should know the basics.
Parents should know who the first aiders are, how they'll be informed about incidents, and what the setting's medication policy is.
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Common First Aid Questions from CIW
How many first aiders do we need?
At least one paediatric first aider must be present at all times when children are in the setting. For larger settings or multiple rooms, best practice is to have a first aider in each room or area.
Does paediatric first aid training need to be face-to-face?
Yes. CIW and HSE generally require the practical elements to be delivered face-to-face. Blended learning (online theory + practical) may be accepted from approved providers, but fully online-only is not sufficient.
How long do we need to keep accident records?
Until the child reaches 21 years and 3 months (or 24 years and 3 months for RIDDOR-reportable incidents). In practice, keep all records for at least 21 years after the date of the incident.
What needs to be reported to CIW?
Any serious injury, illness, or event that affects the well-being of a child must be reported to CIW. This includes broken bones, head injuries requiring hospital treatment, and any incident requiring emergency services. Report within 14 days (or immediately for the most serious events).