At 1decision, we believe in equipping children with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges safely and confidently. PSHE education shows that early learning in areas like first aid is transformative, not just for safety, but for building self-esteem, empathy, and responsibility. With World First Aid Day approaching on 13th September, we explore why first aid is crucial for children, how it links to broader life skills, and resources primary schools can use to make learning engaging and effective.

Statutory First Aid Teaching in UK Primary Schools

Since September 2020, all state-funded schools in England are required by law to teach Health Education, which includes basic first aid instruction. Primary schools are expected to cover topics such as:

• Dealing with common injuries
• Responding to emergencies safely
• Understanding when and how to seek help

For detailed guidance on legal requirements for first aid in UK schools, you can visit the Government guidance on statutory Health Education. Ensuring compliance with these requirements supports both children’s safety and broader educational goals.

Why Teaching First Aid Matters

More than just meeting the statutory requirements, teaching first aid to children goes beyond simply showing them how to bandage a cut or apply a plaster. It’s about cultivating awareness, responsibility, and the ability to respond confidently in emergencies. Integrating first aid into PSHE lessons equips children with practical skills while fostering their personal development.

One of the most significant benefits of first aid education is the boost in confidence it provides. Children who know how to respond to minor injuries or more serious emergencies can feel empowered. This confidence doesn’t just stop at first aid; it often spreads to other areas of learning and personal development, giving children a proactive and resilient mindset.

Encouraging Empathy and Responsibility

First aid education is also a powerful tool for nurturing empathy and responsibility. By teaching children to care for others in moments of need, we instil a sense of compassion that goes beyond the classroom. Through practical exercises, video scenarios, and guided discussions, pupils learn to recognise the needs of others, assess situations carefully, and act responsibly.

This approach aligns with broader health education objectives. By understanding potential risks and learning preventative strategies, children can make safer choices in everyday situations. First aid therefore becomes more than a skill, it’s a gateway to developing well-rounded, community-minded pupils who understand their role in helping others!

Safety, Preparation and Prevention

Accidents can happen at any time, whether at home, at school, or while playing outdoors. We may not always be able to prevent these from happening but by equipping children with the knowledge to respond effectively, it could be the difference between reducing the severity of injuries and promoting faster recovery.

Moreover, first aid education encourages pupils to think about prevention. Understanding how accidents occur and recognising hazards are vital life skills. Children who can anticipate risks are more likely to make safe choices, which not only protects them but also helps reduce the demand on emergency services. This focus on preparation and prevention is a cornerstone of health education and forms a vital part of PSHE lessons in primary schools.

Celebrating World First Aid Day

World First Aid Day, celebrated annually on 13th September, is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of first aid for children. Schools can use this awareness day* to run special workshops, practical demonstrations, and interactive activities, giving pupils hands-on experience while raising awareness of life-saving skills.

By connecting lessons to this global event, teachers can show children the wider relevance of first aid, emphasising that the skills they learn could make a difference in their communities and beyond. Celebrating World First Aid Day also helps foster a culture of preparedness and compassion among pupils, reinforcing key messages from PSHE and health education lessons.

To support schools during World First Aid Day, we’ve designed a downloadable First Aid poster to help pupils remember key steps. Download First Aid poster.

*Please note that this year’s World First Aid Day falls on a Saturday, so teaching staff may wish to use the week leading up to the 13th September to raise awareness in their school community.

Top PSHE Resources for Teaching First Aid

At 1decision, our interactive modules are designed specifically for primary PSHE education. The First Aid topics designed for KS2 pupils aim to build confidence in children, helping them respond safely in emergencies, from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious situations such as an asthma attack.

Our topics include alternative-ending videos and scenario-based learning, which make lessons interactive and memorable. They encourage pupils to think critically about safety and their role in helping others.

You can try a free taster of our Year 5 First Aid topic here. These resources are an excellent starting point for schools seeking to embed life skills and health education in their curriculum.

Final Thoughts

First aid education empowers children to take meaningful action when it counts, fostering responsibility, awareness, and a genuine sense of care for others. Schools that prioritise these lessons are not just teaching practical skills, they are shaping proactive, compassionate citizens who understand the importance of preparedness, teamwork, and supporting their communities. By providing pupils with opportunities to practise and apply first aid, schools lay the foundation for lifelong confidence, resilience, and the ability to respond reactively in any situation.