First Aid Staff (Schools)

HC Deb 04 March 1997 vol 291 cc600-1W

Mr. Pearson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the statutory requirements regarding the number of qualified first aid staff in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools. [18392]

Sir Paul Beresford

Schools, like all workplaces, are required by the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 to make first aid provision for their employees.

Although school pupils as non-employees are not covered by these requirements, the guidance covering the regulations recognises that employers will wish to make provision for them.

Additionally, guidance from the Department for Education and Employment and the Welsh Office describes the common law responsibilities of schools "in loco parentis". The guidance suggests that combined provision for both employees and students is sensible when employers are making their assessment of the number of first-aiders required.