What Should You Have in a Daycare First Aid Kit?

Childcare First Aid Kit Checklist for NSW Daycares & Classrooms (2026 Guide)

Running a childcare centre, preschool, or classroom in NSW means being prepared for more than just minor scrapes. It means having the right systems, training, and equipment in place to respond calmly and confidently when a child needs help.

This guide shows you exactly what your childcare first aid kit must include, what auditors look for, and how to confidently stay compliant.

What the Regulations Say (NSW Requirements)

• First aid kits must be readily accessible
• Clearly labelled and out of reach of children
• Stocked based on risk assessments
• Staff must know locations and medical management plans

Regular checks are essential — a kit is only compliant if it’s ready to use at any moment.

Compare Childcare & Classroom First Aid Kits

Choose the right kit for your setting — all designed for Australian childcare environments and audit readiness.

🚫 Common Compliance Mistake: Medications

Medications must be:

• Authorised in writing
• Stored separately
• Linked to individual care plans

This is one of the most common reasons centres fail compliance checks.

Going Beyond Compliance

Great first aid isn’t just about equipment — it’s about how children feel during care.

• Use calm, simple language
• Offer distraction
• Practise drills regularly

Where to Keep Your Kit

• Accessible to staff
• Out of reach of children
• Included in excursion kits

FAQ

Do I need a kit in every classroom?

Not always — but kits must be immediately accessible.

Can Panadol be kept in the kit?

No — it must be stored separately with authorisation.

How often should kits be checked?

Monthly at minimum.

Be Prepared, Stay Confident

When your team knows where everything is and how to use it, response becomes faster, calmer, and safer.

Trusted Australian References

This guide is based on current Australian first aid guidelines and childcare safety requirements. For further information, refer to the following trusted sources:

• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice
  Guidance on maintaining accessible, adequately stocked first aid kits and regular inspection requirements.
• NSW Government – Education and Care Services National Regulations
  Legal requirements for first aid kits, accessibility, and staff responsibilities in childcare settings.
• Australian Resuscitation Council – Guideline 9.1.1 First Aid Kits
  Recommendations on first aid kit contents and readiness for Australian environments.
• Australian Government Department of Health – First Aid and Emergency Care
  National health advice on responding to injuries, illness, and emergencies.
• Better Health Channel – First Aid Basics and Injury Care
  Practical guidance on treating common injuries including cuts, burns, and sprains.
• Asthma Australia – Asthma First Aid for Children
  Best practice for managing asthma in childcare settings, including medication handling.
• Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network – Child Health & Safety Resources
  Evidence-based advice on paediatric care and emergency response in children.

About the Author

This article was written by Samantha Kerr, founder of Assurance Training & Sales. Samantha has been a first aid trainer for 19 years, has studied to become an EMT, and worked as a Patient Transport Officer in remote NSW.

Last reviewed: March 2026