Paediatric observation reference ranges for referrers

RHC for Health Professionals
NHS GGC

The Paediatric Early Warning Score charts are not validated for use in Primary Care, but it can be useful to refer to these tables to ascertain how far outwith the normal range a set of observations are. This can assist with the structured referral of acutely unwell patients.

*NOTE: The iHub site containing the PEWS charts has a banner at the top of the page directing you to the new HIS site - currently the PEWS charts are still only available on the iHub site so please ignore this. The information using the link below is not out of date as of 16/03/2026.

If you are concerned about a child you should not feel reassured by a normal PEWS. 

NHS Scotland Paediatric Early Warning Scores Poster for GPs (pdf)

 

This page on the Health Improvement Scotland ihub site gives links to charts for five age ranges (spanning 0 - over 12 years) plus access to a teaching package on their use.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 15/11/2023

Next review date: 30/11/2025