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Leeds North West
Primary Care Trust
on behalf of the Leeds 5 PCTs
CHILD HOME SAFETY EQUIPMENT SCHEMES
A Good Practice Guide
Protecting children from their biggest killer
Unintentional injuries
Produced in partnership with
Leeds City Council
Neighbourhoods and Housing Department
Health Promotion Specialist in Injury Prevention
North West Primary Care Trust (on behalf of the five Leeds Primary Care Trusts)
We would like to thank the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) for their financial help
Good Practice Guide
for setting up and running home safety equipment schemes in Leeds
Practical support for preventing injuries to the under 5 age group is vital, as injuries
are responsible for the majority of deaths and disablement of children in the UK
today. As a result of the experiences of many groups and organisations struggling
to set up and maintain successful schemes providing child home safety equipment a
need was identified for greater support and research into running a scheme. It is
our hope that this guide serves a practical use in helping schemes to overcome
many of the hurdles that often prevent schemes running successfully, or at all. The
guide does not aim to promote any one way of running a scheme, but to highlight
all the potential advantages and disadvantages of different elements of schemes.
• Throughout the good practice guide the term ‘parent’ is used but we are also
referring to grandparents, guardians and carers. Also, ‘accidental injury’ is used
as opposed to the term ‘accident’.
• We do not advise that you photocopy any pages of this resource as some
information may be subject to change. © Copyright also applies.
• To obtain further copies of the guide contact Charlotte Orton at Leeds City
Council on 0113 247 6291.
• Numbers throughout the guide indicate a reference. For full reference list see
References section (p.36).
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the Department of Trade and Industry for their financial
support through their Modernisation Fund 2002/3. Thanks also to the Leeds’ Sure
Starts as well as all the existing home safety equipment schemes in Leeds and
around the UK who have provided information and advice. The Good Practice
Guide was produced with support and advice from Jill Gunn (Health Promotion
Manager), Ian Mallinson (Principal Environmental Health Officer), both from the
Neighbourhoods and Housing Department and Anna Cronin de Chavez (Health
Promotion Specialist in Injury Prevention), Leeds North West Primary Care Trust.
Guide researched and developed by Charlotte Orton
March 2003
Contents
Summary .................................................................................................................................... 1
Accidental Injuries .................................................................................................................... 2
Preventing Accidental Injuries ................................................................................................ 3
Child Home Safety Equipment Schemes ................................................................................ 4
Planning .................................................................................................................................... 5
Partners ...................................................................................................................................... 6
The Steering Group ............................................................................................................ 7
Target Group ............................................................................................................................ 8
Types of Equipment .................................................................................................................. 9
Payment & Finance ................................................................................................................ 12
Loan Scheme ...................................................................................................................... 12
Loan Scheme Summary .................................................................................................... 13
Low Cost Scheme .............................................................................................................. 13
Low Cost Scheme Summary .............................................................................................. 14
Voucher Scheme ................................................................................................................ 15
Voucher Scheme Summary ................................................................................................ 16
Purchasing Equipment ...................................................................................................... 16
Resources ............................................................................................................................ 18
Funding .............................................................................................................................. 19
Insurance & Legal Issues ........................................................................................................ 21
Delivery .................................................................................................................................... 22
Storage .................................................................................................................................... 22
Fitting ...................................................................................................................................... 23
Maintenance .......................................................................................................................... 25
Referrals .................................................................................................................................. 26
Education & Advice ................................................................................................................ 27
Training .................................................................................................................................... 29
Publicity .................................................................................................................................. 30
Evaluation ................................................................................................................................ 31
Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 33
Loan Scheme Summary .................................................................................................... 34
Low Cost Scheme .............................................................................................................. 34
Voucher Scheme ................................................................................................................ 35
References .............................................................................................................................. 36
Contacts .................................................................................................................................. 37
Useful Contacts .................................................................................................................. 38
Free Resources .................................................................................................................... 39
Funding Information ........................................................................................................ 39
Funding Available in Leeds .............................................................................................. 40
Equipment Suppliers .......................................................................................................... 40
Safety Standards ................................................................................................................ 41
Useful resources ................................................................................................................ 41
Appendices
Appendix 1
Checklist ............................................................................................................................ 42-46
Appendix 2
Inclusion Criteria .................................................................................................................... 47
Appendix 3
Equipment Guide .................................................................................................................... 48
Appendix 4
Sliding Scale ............................................................................................................................ 49
Appendix 5
Safety Items ............................................................................................................................ 50
Appendix 6
Sample Referral Form ............................................................................................................ 51
Appendix 7
Sample Loan Agreement ........................................................................................................ 52
Appendix 8
Feedback Request .................................................................................................................. 53
Notes .................................................................................................................................. 54-57
Child Home Safety Equipment Schemes
Injury has now become the leading killer of children and for every
child who dies of an injury many more live with the varying degrees
and durations of disability and trauma 1
Summary
We have designed this good practice guide for anyone who has contact
with parents of children under five years old and for those interested
in injury prevention. The guide covers all aspects of child home safety
equipment schemes to help individuals and groups set up and run schemes
throughout Leeds.
1
Accidental Injuries
• In the UK, almost 600,000
children under the age of 5
visit A & E as the result of an
accident in the home 2.
• The home environment is
responsible for a significant
number of deaths and a high
number of serious injuries 3.
• The 0-4 age group are exceptionally vulnerable (particularly boys) in the home
environment as this is where these children spend most of their time.
• Hazards in the home are numerous. Children’s exposure to such hazards vary
as their abilities develop.
• To prevent every childhood home injury would be impossible. Risk and
exploring are necessary for a child’s development and physical health.
• Children have accidents because they do not always recognise hazards or
understand risk, they have to cope with unsafe environments from a very
young age, are not experienced at doing things safely, and they aren’t always
physically or mentally capable of safely doing the things their impulses and
curiosity drive them to do.
• As young children cannot always judge risks for themselves parents are
responsible for protecting their children from harm and as far as possible
providing a safe environment.
• Children from families on a low income are more likely to experience an
accidental injury. Children of all ages living in disadvantaged areas are more
likely to be exposed to traffic, lack of safe play areas and may have dangerous
sites surrounding their home. They are also more likely to live in lowerstandard housing and may experience parenting difficulties from stress,
depression or social isolation 4.
• Unfortunately, all of these features contribute to a child being at higher risk
from accidental injuries within the home. It does, therefore, make sense to
prioritise families who are living in such difficult circumstances.
2
Preventing Accidental Injuries
Reducing the number of accidental injuries will lessen the stress involved
for the child, the childs’ parents, relatives and carers. The cost of an
accidental injury to a child and his or her family in terms of pain, distress
and care is incalculable. Lowering the number of accidental injuries
amongst children not only reduces costs to the NHS who regularly treat
injuries but also to families where parents may need time off work to look
after their child or for hospital or doctors appointments.
More importantly, however, is the fact that the majority of
accidental injuries are preventable not inevitable. Home
safety equipment will significantly help prevent accidents.
There are a number of explanations as to why parents do not have safety
devices in their home:
• Not knowing what to buy
• Not knowing where to buy equipment
• Low income
• Safety not a priority within the family
With help from schemes that address these problems and provide home
safety items, such as safety gates and fireguards, parents can protect their
child from unnecessary harm
such as that caused by burns,
scalds and falls.
Equipment cannot substitute
adequate supervision
3
Child home safety equipment schemes
• Child safety equipment is often provided through home safety equipment
schemes and there are currently many schemes running throughout the
country, particularly through Sure Starts. Sure Starts are Government funded
projects that aim to provide a variety of support for families with children
under 4 years of age. There are currently eight Sure Start programmes in
Leeds. To contact any of these, see Contacts section (p.37).
• Providing home safety equipment is one of the most achievable ways of
reaching targets set by the Department of Health for accident reduction for
young children and home safety schemes are recommended by various
government departments5,6,7.
• Child safety experts recognise that accidental injuries can be prevented by
correctly fitting and using home safety equipment. This supports the need for
practical schemes that provide access to home safety equipment.
• It is important that home safety equipment schemes support parents in
protecting their children from accidental injuries. Schemes must also try to
offer parents more than just safety equipment and should provide information,
advice and support.
There are three approaches to providing home safety equipment; loan
schemes, low cost schemes and a voucher scheme:
• A loan scheme provides equipment on loan to families. This may be free of
charge or at a low cost, usually to cover administration fees. Some loan
schemes do not expect equipment to be returned. Essentially, these are give
away schemes.
• A low cost scheme provides families with equipment at a cost lower than any
retailers’.
• A voucher scheme involves families being given a voucher to purchase their
equipment from selected retailers.
To decide which scheme will best suit your group or organisation it is
helpful to know some of the advantages and disadvantages of the
different types (see Evaluation p.31). There are many factors to consider in
addition to whether or not parents pay for, loan or are given a voucher
for their equipment. For example, you may need to consider insurance,
storage, fitting and access, but this will depend upon the type of scheme
you are planning to provide.
4
Planning
As with any project, the planning stage of your scheme is important. Thinking
through the scheme from beginning to end and using this good practice
guide should minimise unexpected complications arising and help make your
scheme a success. Although there is no right or wrong way of delivering a
home safety equipment scheme you can work through the checklist provided
as your scheme develops (Appendix 1, p.42). This will ensure you have covered
all aspects and will help you tailor your scheme to your own circumstances.
In order to plan a home safety equipment scheme you will need to
understand what you are taking on and have an idea of what methods of
purchasing, delivery, storage and fitting are most appropriate for your
group of parents and your resources and capacities. For example, if the
majority of parents you are targeting live in high rise flats this would
require more fireguards and window locks and fewer safety gates.
Many schemes have experienced difficulties that have affected their
success. In order for your scheme to be successful and sustainable you must
identify who needs safety equipment and the priorities in the target area
e.g. depending on the type of housing, number of families with young
children, incidence of particular injuries, etc. Such factors should be taken
into consideration during the planning stages. Funding is an issue that
should be given consideration from the outset. As there is no consistent
mainstream funding available for home accident prevention you should be
aware that you may need to develop a funding plan.
Before you provide home safety equipment you must decide which type of
scheme would be most suitable. Identifying the needs and priorities of
your target group are important elements in the initial planning stages.
This process ensures you are providing a service that is needed and helps
identify that accidental injuries are a problem and a priority within your
target area. Some examples of meeting parents’ needs; A family with
more than one child under five may need equipment for a long period
and equipment may be susceptible to wear and tear. In this case a low cost
scheme may be most appropriate. If the target groups are parents on low
income who require a lot of support or advice a loan scheme could be the
best approach. When providing equipment to families who have their own
transport and who can also afford to contribute, a voucher scheme is more
appropriate. However, a voucher could cover all equipment costs. These
are typical examples of how you can adapt different elements of a scheme
to your own circumstances.
5
Partners
Anyone who wants to provide a service to their community can set up a
home safety equipment scheme. We recommend that one person or a
small group of people champions the scheme.
A consultation period prior to implementation is a particularly useful way to
plan your scheme. This process aids decision making with individuals from a
wide range of backgrounds that have experience or an interest in injury
prevention. A multi agency approach that supports your target group will be
the most effective. All schemes will need someone with access to families as well
as support from a range of individuals and organisations. Partners involved (see
Contacts, p.37) in a scheme could include any of the following individuals:
• Community Development Workers
• Emergency Services (e.g. Fire Services, Police)
• Family Centres
• Funding Bodies
• Health Promotion Specialists
• Health Visitors
• Housing representatives (e.g. tenants, landlords, etc)
• Local Council
• Midwives
• Nurseries
• Primary Care Trusts
• Parent and toddler groups
• Regeneration workers
• Representative for injury prevention
• Representative for under 5’s (e.g. Sure Start)
• Social Workers
• The community
• Voluntary Organisations (e.g. Home Start)
Most important is to seek involvement, help and advice
from your target group - PARENTS
6
Think about whether or not those involved in the scheme have all the
necessary skills, as it is a good idea to be aware of any training needs early on
(see Training, p.29). Think about who will be responsible for what, particularly
administration duties. Recruiting volunteers from your target area is a good
source of support for your project. For information on recruitment, training
and other issues around volunteers go to www.val.gov.uk. Alternatively, write
to Voluntary Action Leeds (see Contacts, p.37).
The Steering Group
Enlisting the support of individuals and organisations that are interested in
home safety and home safety equipment schemes is helpful and forming a
steering group is an excellent way to collaborate. Forming a steering group
will allow you to liaise with various people who can provide input from
their experiences and knowledge and help you develop your scheme (see
Partners, p.6). If your project group meets regularly, which is advisable,
together you can drive the project forward. A steering group can help you:
• Plan your scheme
• Identify and obtain funding e.g. who to apply to and how
• Identify who will do what and when
• Develop useful links, contacts and ideas
• Decide how you will evaluate your scheme
Setting up a steering group allows the planning
process to be agreed, which will increase the
likelihood of your scheme being a success and
running smoothly from the outset. If you want
parents to be involved it is a good idea to provide
créche facilities for meetings.
You might want to carry out a pilot run of the
scheme. This could involve starting with a limited
number of people and a few items of equipment
for a small area that will be relatively easy to
manage. This will help you identify what might go
wrong and how the scheme could be improved or
made more appropriate for the particular parents
or area.
7
Target Group
Once you are sure of your target group, i.e. geographical boundary and
population group, you will need to determine the number of families you
can reach. This can be estimated by:
• The amount of money you have available
• The number of families in your target area
• Anticipated take up rate
• The scale that you think the scheme can cope with
Setting strict rules on who can be included in the scheme and
geographical areas (Appendix 2, p.47) will help you decide how many
families you can reach. This will also help you to estimate the number of
safety items required. Conflict may arise with parents who are not eligible
for the scheme. However, resources will be limited so you must decide
whether to offer alternative help such as providing them with advice or
offering equipment at cost price.
It is useful to get hold of accident data to determine the number and types
of accidental injuries in your area. Unfortunately, this information is very
difficult to obtain but you could try liasing with local Health Visitors, who
may possess this information, Accident and Emergency Departments and
GP’s to help determine whether or not specific accidents need targeting.
Although demand for safety equipment is generally high not all parents
will want to be involved. When liaising with parents:
• Be sensitive when advising parents about safety measures. Remaining positive
and emphasising what they are doing right rather than wrong will help
• Be aware that there may be legitimate reasons why equipment is not in place never assume
• Be sensitive to cultural differences. Don’t assume parents speak fluent English
and don’t assume parents will accept outside help
• Always emphasise the benefits of equipment
• Try not to make parents feel inadequate or irresponsible, etc
• Make them valued members of your partnership
• Try not to let the scheme seem like charity
8
Types of equipment
Health professionals have found that a typical family requires one
fireguard and two safety gates. However, your scheme must decide what it
can realistically provide versus individual need. For example, you could
provide only one safety gate along with a number of pressure pads or
fixing points so that the gate can be moved around the home. This is not
ideal, but your scheme might not have the means to provide each family
with more than one large item.
The majority of home safety equipment schemes concentrate on providing
large items of safety equipment such as safety gates and fireguards. This is
because their potential to prevent an injury is high and they can be
expensive therefore less likely to be purchased by parents on a low
income. Some schemes provide safety packs, which can be adapted
depending upon the childs’ age or developmental stage (Appendix 3,
p.48). Safety packs, usually containing small items such as bath
thermometers and door jams, can be expensive so think about their ability
to prevent an accidental injury.
There are over 45,000 A&E admissions in the under 5s age
group for accidental falls on stairs 8
• Safety Gates are very effective in preventing access to rooms and stairs, if used
correctly and consistently. They can be used to block access to rooms in the
home whilst the parent or carer supervises. Safety gates are generally easy to
install and CAPT write ‘not much can go wrong with them’9. However, they
can be easily pushed out of place by a child if they are not securely fixed,
particularly if pressure mounted. For safety standards see Purchasing
Equipment (p.16).
9
Each year over 10,000 accidents occur that involve a
fireplace, grate or fender 8
• Fireguards must be securely fixed to the wall, rather than free standing. They
prevent a child from touching a fire or heater and can stop any individual
getting too close. They should never be used to dry clothes on, as this is itself
a fire hazard. Parents may need encouragement to use a fireguard as they can
be fairly big and some parents may feel that they do not suit the look of their
room or fireplace.
• Bath Thermometers can be useful as a child’s skin is thinner than an adults
therefore scalds at a lower temperature. However, many people believe bath
thermometers to be inaccurate or relied upon and it is recommended that
parents manually check bathing temperatures. Although expensive,
thermostatic mixer valves are the only way of ensuring bath water
temperatures do not get too hot. These require fitting.
• Corner Cushions/Protectors aim to prevent injuries from falling onto sharp
table edges. It is a good idea to check their suitability as they generally only fit
square corners. Some corner protectors require adhesive and some parents
may be reluctant to use them on their furniture.
• Cupboard and Appliance Locks are essential to prevent a child’s access to
liquids and items that can burn, poison or cut as well as tumble dryers and
washing machines. Locks should remain locked to be effective however
inconvenient.
• Door Jammers, or anti-slam door stops, prevent fingers getting trapped either
side of doors by preventing full closure. Be aware that door jams might not
always stay on and when bitten may become a choking hazard. Also important
to remember is the recommendation that all internal doors remain closed at
night to prevent the spread of house fires.
• Oven door guards prevent access to an oven door, which may become hot and
burn a child.
• Second Hand Equipment. Although possessing a form of safety equipment is
better than none, second hand home safety items should be used with
caution, as this may give parents a false sense of security. Schemes that
provide second hand equipment need to be aware that equipment may have
been damaged, used incorrectly and may have been weakened, which is often
unnoticeable. An integral aspect of home safety equipment is that it is used
10
and assembled as intended. To accomplish this parents and carers often
require instructions, guidelines for correct use, fixings and other spare parts, all
of which are not always present when second-hand equipment is provided.
Second-hand may be viewed as second rate. It is crucial that safety equipment
complies to current safety standards (see Purchasing Equipment, p.16).
• Smoke Alarms/Detectors give a warning in the event of a fire, allowing
individuals to escape. The device must be checked regularly to ensure it is
functioning correctly and that batteries are working. Smoke alarms that are
tamper-proof with 10 year batteries and alarms that are mains-wired are
recommended.
• Socket Covers are used to prevent children inserting fingers or other objects
into plug sockets. If resources are scarce you can limit these to areas where
children spend most of their time. However, it is felt that modern sockets pose
minimal danger.
• Video Locks prevent a child from putting fingers or other objects into a video
recorder. However, few injuries are caused in this way.
• Window Locks are needed to prevent falls from windows, particularly during
summer. They must be fitted correctly and parents must keep locks on to be
effective. Avoid placing furniture under windows. Be aware that window locks
may hinder an escape should a fire occur.
11
Payment and Finance
It is likely that you will incur start up and administrative costs for any
home safety equipment scheme e.g. initial purchase of equipment and
paperwork to get the scheme started.
It is advisable to set fees parents pay according to their financial
circumstances, which could be dependent on a family’s income (see
example in Appendix 4, p.49). This is useful as it is likely that your referrer
will have contact with parents in very different circumstances. Proof of
Income Support is a straightforward way of establishing parents’ income.
However, not all parents will want to discuss this.
Loan Scheme
A loan scheme can be set up to provide parents with equipment for a
period of time, usually within a loan agreement. Some schemes charge
parents to loan equipment or to cover administration costs. Others do not
expect equipment to be returned as it is not always usable (see Loan
Scheme Summary, p.13). Essentially, these are give away schemes. Small
items of safety equipment can be offered at low cost along with loaned
equipment e.g. cupboard locks (Appendix 5, p.50) to generate a small level
of income, to purchase further equipment and to help keep the scheme
running. Parents may also place more value on their equipment if a small
fee has been paid, which can also benefit the scheme.
A loan scheme is suitable for parents on a low income as costs are
minimal. There is also the opportunity to reach many families as
equipment could be loaned several times, or given to parents’ friends and
families. Be aware that loan schemes are more likely to incur insurance
and liability issues as loan schemes are responsible for any equipment
distributed (see Insurance & Legal Issues, p.21).
12
Loan Scheme Summary
Advantages
• Parents can keep in contact with the
scheme
• Renewing loan agreement, etc, gives
opportunity to offer parents
information, advice and support
• Cost to families can be low (or no cost)
Disadvantages
• Start up and administration costs
• Need to record details of all loaned
equipment and keep track of loan
renewal dates
• Limited stock to loan
• Loan charges can purchase further
equipment
• Few items of equipment may be
returned. Items that are returned may
not be re-usable
• Opportunity to sell small items of
equipment to help sustain scheme
• Returned equipment must be cleaned,
checked, repaired, etc
• Equipment can be used by many people
e.g. passed on to friends, family
members, neighbours
• Scheme may be liable for any advice,
service, or equipment it provides
• Parents may approach scheme with any
problems they are experiencing
• Requires storage (cost, availability,
convenience, theft, etc)
• Often requires fitting service due to
liability issues
Low Cost Scheme
Many loan schemes running have experienced problems surrounding issues
of liability and insurance (see Insurance & Legal Issues, p.21). For this
reason, many people prefer a low cost home safety equipment scheme.
Although there are many loan schemes running low cost schemes are
currently the favoured approach. This approach might, however, depend on
who you are aiming your scheme at e.g. you might prefer loan to low cost if
parents in your target group are unemployed or are not in a position to give
one large payment. Low cost home safety equipment schemes provide safety
items at a cost lower than the retailer’s price. The person running the scheme
is able to do this by purchasing equipment in bulk or directly from the
manufacturer. The cost of equipment can also be subsided by funding
allocated to the scheme.
13
Although a low cost scheme will generate income it is not necessarily selffinancing. Parents usually give a one-off payment for equipment but some
schemes offer an instalment method e.g. £2 per week until equipment is
paid for. In this way ownership of the equipment is passed on to the
parent. When providing low cost safety equipment costs can be subsidised
in order to keep prices low.
Some low cost or loan schemes give their referrer, often a health visitor,
credit notes to give to parents at their discretion should they feel a child is
at risk of an accidental injury and the parent cannot offer any payment
towards safety equipment. It is a good idea to limit the distribution of
these credit notes to keep costs low.
Low Cost Scheme Summary
Advantages
• Parents can purchase equipment
cheaper than from a retailer
• Opportunity to offer range of payment
methods; one large payment, no
payment, instalments or sliding scale
• Ownership of equipment is passed on
to the parent following initial purchase
• Parents can do as they choose once they
own equipment
• Reduces risk of liability (unless a fitting
service is provided)
• Potentially unlimited stock
• Opportunity to reach many families (as
scheme costs can be low)
Disadvantages
• Scheme not always self financing
• Start up and administration costs
• Parents cannot always afford to
contribute
• Costs may need to be subsidised
• Parents may have little contact with the
scheme (does not give the opportunity
to address parents’ concerns)
• Requires storage facilities (cost,
availability, convenience, theft, etc)
• Often requires delivery service
• Equipment may be sold on (may need
to regularly check that this is not
occurring)
• Equipment may not be installed
correctly, or at all, where a fitting
service is not provided
14
Voucher Scheme
A voucher scheme operates in a similar way to other schemes. Rather than
taking payment from parents to purchase or loan equipment this type of
scheme identifies who needs equipment (and meets the criteria set) then
allocates vouchers. Parents usually make a contribution towards
equipment as well as producing a voucher e.g. a £15 voucher towards a
safety gate may require a £3 contribution from the parent. The parent’s
contribution may depend upon the make and model of the equipment.
Contributing gives parents the chance to feel more responsible for their
childs’ safety. However, a voucher scheme could provide safety equipment
at no cost to the parent.
Parents take their voucher to a nominated store to collect
their equipment. Both the parent and the retailer can be
given a time frame within which they must claim their
equipment or their money back from the scheme. This
process should help monitor who has or hasn’t claimed.
This should also help keep a steady flow of cash from the
time of referral to the point retailer’s request their money
back, rather than having to reimburse all retailers at the
end of the scheme.
You should arrange with the retailer to only provide new
equipment and advise them to identify equipment
provided by the voucher scheme so that money cannot be
refunded for those particular pieces of equipment, only
exchanged under the normal store policy.
It is a good idea to print vouchers on coloured paper so
they cannot be copied. You could also give vouchers a
code, known only to the scheme leader and each retailer
involved.
Financial problems associated with this type of scheme are
that parents may be expected to contributed towards
equipment, the retailer may take some time to redeem
their money and parents may try to return equipment to
the retailer for a cash refund.
A voucher could be used to purchase equipment and to
get equipment fitted correctly. You could, for example,
give parents who need a fitting service a fitting voucher
that could be given to a fitter. The fitter could then invoice
the scheme.
15
Voucher Scheme Summary
Advantages
Disadvantages
• Start up costs are minimal (printing
vouchers, etc)
• More suited to parents with their own
transport
• Administration duties are minimal
• Parents may be expected to contribute
• Does not require storage
• Parents do not always collect their
equipment
• Does not require delivery service
• Reduces risk of liability
• Manufacturer is responsible for
equipment, rather than scheme
• Parents are involved in the purchasing
process
• Parents feel empowered and
responsible for their child’s safety
• Vouchers are relatively easy to produce
• Costs may need to be subsidised
• Retailer may take a long time to
redeem the money
• Parents may attempt to return
equipment for a refund
• Possibility vouchers may be copied
• May need to keep track of who
has/hasn’t collected equipment
• Parents might not fit their own
equipment once it has been collected
(may need to check this)
Purchasing Equipment
Prior to purchasing safety equipment you must calculate the amount you
will need. You could calculate this by selecting your target group (see
Target Group, p.8). The equipment you purchase and the retailer you
choose may be dependant on the amount of money you have available. It
is important that the right equipment is purchased to fit the housing type
of your area e.g. homes with wide staircases may need a safety gate with
an extension. In this situation extension gates should be kept in your stock
so that parents who have been given a safety gate can use it correctly
immediately. To help you estimate the cost of large safety items see p.17
(for contact details see Equipment Suppliers, p.40).
16
March 2003
Safety Gates
Extensions for
Safety Gates
Fireguards
Argos
£16.49 to £29.99
(Extension gates supplied
by manufacturer)
£17.75
Bettacare
£20.50 to £31.50
£5.95 to £12.00
£15.75
Ikea
£11.00 & £25.00
(both models extend)
N/A
Index
£19.99 to £29.99
(£19.99 models extend)
£14.99 to £17.99
Kid Rapt
£11.50 to £23.50
£5.25 to £6.75
£13.25 to £15.25
Mothercare
£14.99 to £29.99
£9.99
£19.99 & £24.99
Toys R Us
£15.99 to £29.99
(Many of their gates extend)
£24.99
Instructions on how to use and install safety equipment should be
included when purchased. Make photocopies of the manufacturers
instructions so that spare copies are available and so that you can offer
parents help and advice. Diagrams or step-by-step guides are helpful,
particularly if parents are fitting equipment themselves.
Some schemes sell alternative items of equipment at low cost e.g. video
guards, door jams, etc. In this way the scheme can generate income,
highlight safety messages and increase safety within the home. The types
of equipment you can provide or sell are shown in Appendix 5 (p.50).
Although there are no statutory requirements regarding home safety
equipment you must provide items that conform to current
European/British safety standards; but note that standards do change from
time to time.
Safety Gates must comply with standard EN1930:2000
Fireguards must comply with standard BS8423:2002
17
Resources
Resources does not just refer to money, it also includes peoples’ time and
effort, which is why careful planning is needed.
As well as purchasing equipment you may also have to consider:
Costs to consider
Example
Accommodation
Office space, storage for equipment
Administration
Telephone, postage
Bank charges
Fitting
Training, tools
Initial start up
Purchasing equipment
Instructions
Photocopies, printing
Insurance
Scheme workers, namely the fitter
Legal fees
To allow disclaimer to be checked
Maintenance of equipment
Cleaning, spare parts
Publicity
Advertising, printing
Recruitment
Advertising
Safety education
Leaflets, posters, training
Salaries
Administration, scheme leader
Staff development
Training
Transport
Travel expenses
VAT
Equipment
Some schemes require resources for all areas mentioned above, however,
you can run a scheme with a selected few e.g. by not providing a fitting or
delivery service you will free up money for other areas such as safety
education leaflets (see Education & Advice, p.27).
18
Funding
Funding your scheme can become an on-going issue, particularly as there
is no consistent mainstream funding for home injury prevention. Many
schemes fold due to this as they experience a lack of funding. Past
schemes have received funding from:
• Charitable Donations
• Children In Need
• Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)
• Early Years Awards
• Health Action Zone
• Health Promotion Departments
• Healthy Living Network
• Neighbourhood Renewal Fund
• Primary Care Trusts
• Regeneration funding
• Safer Communities Initiative
• Sure Start
The cost to set up and run your scheme will depend on a number of
factors. To obtain an idea of costs you should calculate the average cost of
equipment that you hope to provide.
You may need help when applying for funding for your scheme - Leeds
City Council produce a booklet entitled Small Grants to Voluntary
Organisations that will assist deciding whether or not you are eligible and
who you can apply to. The booklet outlines contact details for individuals
who will be happy to offer you advice and support regarding grants. The
booklet is available in languages other than English and can be obtained
by contacting the Department of Social Services, Joint Planning Support
Unit (see Funding Available in Leeds, p.40). It is a good idea to ask to be
put on Voluntary Action Leeds’ mailing list so that they can keep you up
to date with grants and funding information. They also run training days
on applying for funding.
19
Establishing the success of your scheme is important, as this will help you
secure future funding. Funders may want to see proof of your schemes’
success so be prepared to provide evidence e.g. number of safety items
being used, level of interest received, and information regarding existing
ownership prior to the scheme (see Evaluation, p.31).
A comprehensive list and explanation of government funding in the UK is
detailed in the UK Community Grants Directory (see Funding Information,
p.39).
20
Insurance and Legal issues
One of the main concerns when running a home safety equipment scheme
is the issue of liability. Problems are more likely to occur if you provide a
fitting or loan service. If someone fits equipment or demonstrates how
parents should use their equipment then an injury occurs this could mean
that person is liable and may be sued. A fitter may also cause accidental
damage to parents’ property whilst fitting equipment. It is for such
reasons that legal advice must be sought.
A loan scheme can become particularly difficult as your scheme may
provide second hand equipment i.e. equipment that has been loaned
previously must be checked before it is re-loaned to make sure it is not
faulty (see Maintenance, p.25). Equipment may also need to be cleaned.
Loaning faulty equipment, which then results in an accident, may render
those operating the scheme liable by law. By providing vouchers or
equipment at low cost any issues regarding liability and insurance are
eliminated. Selling equipment at low cost, rather than loaning, means
breakages or missing parts are the responsibility of the manufacturer
rather than the schemes’. In this way the scheme is less liable after a sale.
A loan scheme requires a loan agreement (example in Appendix 7, p.52),
which can take some time to produce. This could become a time consuming
task due to the importance of covering all aspects of liability and you must
seek professional legal advice. The loan agreement must highlight that
responsibility for the childs’ safety remains with the parent. These aspects
of a loan scheme are often the reason for opting for a low cost safety
equipment scheme, or for choosing not to provide a fitting service.
Whatever scheme you decide to provide you should always emphasise that
equipment is not a replacement for supervision.
A problem that you may experience is parents blaming those involved
with the scheme for any accidental injuries that occur. Past schemes have
found this when equipment has been provided as well as during parents
wait for their equipment. It is recommended that any loan agreement,
application form or disclaimer emphasises the fact that the childs’ safety
remains the responsibility of the parent at all times. Disclaimers, however,
cannot totally guarantee legal cover.
21
Delivery
The resources you have available will determine whether or not your
scheme has the means to provide a delivery service. A voucher scheme has
the advantage that it does not require delivery as parents are expected to
collect their safety items directly from the retailer. You must think about
your target group when providing a voucher scheme as it is most suited to
parents who have their own transport. You should be aware that although
parents may have their own transport, or access to a vehicle, not all will be
willing to collect their equipment. For some parents injuries in the home
are not a priority. This highlights the need to accurately record any
equipment that has been collected or delivered, etc. It also shows that
information and advice may be needed to reinforce home safety
messages.
Storage
Try to keep an adequate supply of safety items in stock so that parents do
not have to wait for long periods. This is important because their child is
at risk of an accidental injury within the home and an injury may occur
whilst they await equipment.
It is a good idea to store equipment in a central location so that those
involved in running the scheme can collect it, etc. Equipment should be
stored safely and you should be aware of theft. Storage space (lock-up,
etc) can be rented but be aware that insurance covering theft or damages
may be needed.
22
Fitting
Along with providing safety equipment you could, ideally, provide a fitting
service. Schemes may provide this if their target groups are unlikely to fit
equipment themselves. This will require a fitter who may need transport
to collect and deliver equipment. The fitter could be a joiner, handyperson
or volunteer. Some schemes employ a retired joiner who lives locally to fit
equipment.
You may decide to employ a full or part time fitter who could be paid per
hour. You could also contract one or more companies to fit equipment.
This is a relatively straight forward way to provide a fitting service. You
should ensure your fitter, handyperson or carpenter has public liability
insurance. This means they have their own insurance and are covered for
any work carried out. Care and Repair may assist with contact details of
local joiners, etc (see Useful Contacts, p.38).
When providing a fitting service you might need to take measurements to
ensure equipment is appropriate. Some schemes actually measure, deliver
and fit equipment. Parents are not always in a position to fit equipment,
as some equipment requires skills and tools they might not possess. Fitting
a safety gate or fireguard to a wall or banister can be tricky e.g. crumbling
plaster walls and using tools whilst supervising young children may not be
feasible.
Fitting equipment can be an expensive service to offer. Costs may include:
• Employing a fitter (advertisement)
• Transport/Mileage
• Insurance
• Tools
• Training
• Paperwork
• Police check
23
You must take into consideration the welfare of the fitter as they will be
expected to visit a number of unknown households. Equally, families must
be safe with the fitter. A police check is the only way safety can be
guaranteed for families, however, there is a small fee and this process can
take some time. Fitters and other people involved in the scheme should
carry identification to reassure parents and to ensure access to homes. It is
a good idea for health visitors and social workers, etc, to advise on
households that might pose a risk to the fitter, however, this may be
difficult e.g. due to confidentiality, data protection. It is recommended
that fitters and other individuals who may visit parents’ homes do so in
twos to avoid allegations of theft, etc. Although this may increase costs it
will allow both the worker and the parent to feel safe during a home visit.
If your scheme provides a delivery or fitting service you must notify
parents in advance and arrange a time convenient for both parties.
Parents should be given the opportunity to rearrange any appointments
made, so ensure you provide all relevant contact details. Parents should
observe equipment being fitted and should also be shown how to use
equipment correctly. Installing safety equipment cannot guarantee that an
injury will not occur, therefore, it is advisable that parents sign a disclaimer
to ensure equipment has, at least, been fitted correctly and to their
satisfaction. Be aware that a signed disclaimer does not guarantee
protection from future legal action. Again, seek legal advice if you are in
any doubt.
Schemes have experienced parents asking
fitters for help with other maintenance jobs
around the home. Be aware that a consequence
of any inaccurate or incorrect information or
advice offered by anyone involved in the
scheme could result in the scheme being liable
for any damage to property or injuries
sustained. It is recommended that any fitter is
advised to refuse other jobs when carrying out
scheme work.
Remember to inform parents whom to notify
should they experience any problems regarding
equipment fitted by the scheme e.g. fireguard
not secure.
24
Maintenance
Schemes that offer home safety equipment on loan often do so for as long
as necessary to protect the child from home accidents. However, not all
schemes give a return date for the equipment to take into account
families having further children or to acknowledge that certain items may
be needed for many years. At the end of the loan period equipment is
returned or re-issued to other families in need, however, many schemes do
not anticipate the return of any equipment that is loaned to parents.
Equipment that is returned is not always usable due to:
• Equipment on loan for long periods
• May not meet current safety standards
• Parts missing or broken
Equipment may become damaged whilst on loan. Second hand equipment
is often seen as second rate, particularly as weaknesses in safety items
cannot always be seen.
It is advisable to label all equipment to keep track of its’ location. For a
loan scheme this will help monitor loan renewal dates, as parents may
need prompting.
When loaning safety
equipment remember:
• Equipment may have been
used for many years
• Few items may be returned
• Returned equipment is not
always usable
• Returned equipment must be
checked, repaired, cleaned, etc
25
Referrals
There are a range of referral mechanisms your scheme can adopt. Parents
could be referred to your scheme by a range of people:
• Family member
• Family support worker
• Fire Service
• Friend
• GP
• Health visitor
• Home Start
• Midwife
• Neighbour
• Parent and baby groups
• Self referral
• Social worker
• Sure Start
• Tenants and Residents Association
Healthcare providers who regularly visit parents with young children are in
an ideal position to encourage safer practice and a safer environment
within the home. This is why the majority of home safety equipment
schemes use health visitors to refer parents.
Your referrer must make a decision as to whether or not the parent meets
the criteria to be included in the scheme. For this reason it is a good idea
that your referrer is familiar with safety devices or has knowledge of
injury prevention work. The health visitor or other referrer must decide
which of their existing clients, who live within the boundaries you have
set, needs home safety equipment. A referral form can then be passed on
to the scheme co-ordinator stating why the child is at risk of a home injury
(example in Appendix 6, p.51).
Schemes often receive more referrals than it is physically possible to
follow-up, as most health professionals know someone who needs home
safety equipment, hence the need for strict inclusion criteria.
26
Education and Advice
Accompanying home safety equipment with educational materials
can be an effective way of preventing accidental injuries. Offering
advice to parents and carers about hazards in the home and
providing health education is more likely to result in a change being
made to a child’s home. This should also encourage parents to be
committed to keeping gates closed and cupboards locked, etc.
If your scheme does include an educational element it is
recommended that you include your target group in your planning
process, as a participative approach is most effective in achieving
change. Ideally, you should involve an individual with knowledge and
experience of home safety to highlight such messages. You can
obtain leaflets and other educational resources from a number of
organisations, many of which can be found in our Contacts section
(see p.37)
Many schemes offer parents a home safety check or home safety
audit. These are relatively simple but can be very effective in getting
across safety messages. The aim here is to offer parents information
so that they can assess their own home for safety through the eyes of
a child. Parents can then make any necessary changes to their homes
and their behaviour. A useful booklet is available, produced by the
Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), should you decide to provide
a home check service (booklet costs £6) (see Useful Resources, p.41).
You may decide to offer parents a demonstration of how to use
safety items. To assist this process Kid Rapt (www.ChildSafety.co.uk)
may be able to attend the venue of your choice to display and talk
about the different types of safety equipment available and how to
use and install them correctly. Be aware that this is not a free service,
however, Kid Rapt may be willing offer advice on issues regarding
equipment or safety items for your scheme.
27
Schemes may need to think about the best way of providing safety
education, as English is not a first language for many parents. You should,
therefore, think about whether or not your scheme needs workers or
volunteers with specific language skills or consider using audio visual
material to get home safety messages across.
If you decide to provide loaned equipment be aware that this provides
you with an excellent opportunity to offer parents advice and support,
particularly whilst renewing loan agreements. There is less contact with
parents when providing a voucher or low cost scheme as little contact is
needed once parents have been provided with equipment.
28
Training
CAPT
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) offers tailor-made training
sessions to meet individual’s needs. CAPT can adapt a full or half day
session for those new to injury prevention or for people with experience
in this field. Sessions can be arranged to suit and can be run in your local
area (see Contacts, p.37). CAPT also run a course held at Newcastle
University for those involved in injury prevention entitled ‘Professional
Development in Unintentional Injury Prevention’. For more information
contact Michael Hayes (see Contacts, p. 37).
RoSPA
Those involved in a home safety equipment scheme may require some
training on home safety issues. The Royal Society for the Prevention of
Accidents (RoSPA) provide home safety training, including an introduction
to home safety, which is held in Belfast. This course costs £80 (+VAT), or
£75 (+VAT) for RoSPA members. RoSPA also provide a City and Guilds
course entitled ‘Introducing Home Safety’, which costs £890 (+VAT), or
£790 (+VAT) to RoSPA members (see RoSPA contact details, p.37). Another
week long course run by RoSPA is the City & Guilds ‘Home Safety
Auditors’, for those involved with home safety audits or home safety
checks. RoSPA may also be willing to provide you with training for up to
20 people on your own site.
Leeds Metropolitan University
LMU are currently running a single module entitled ‘Unintentional Injury
Prevention’, held at Queen’s Square House, Woodhouse Lane. The module,
which may run for some time, is worth 10 credit points at Masters Level.
Funded places may be available for those working in health. For further
information contact Clare Page on 0113 283 1911.
29
Publicity
Publicising your scheme using posters, leaflets or newsletters will allow
local people to become aware that your scheme exists. Publicity materials
can be distributed to health centres, parent and baby groups and other
local services in order to promote your scheme and to raise awareness of
safety in the home. You could also try talking to parents about the
advantages of installing safety equipment and encourage them to share
their experiences of accidental injuries. This could involve demonstrating
how safety items should be used and explaining the ways in which
different safety items can help prevent a home injury. You could also write
a news release to publicise your scheme through the local media.
It has been known that retailers or suppliers of home safety equipment
donate equipment in return for publicity. This may involve displaying the
retailers’ logo on your application forms, or on safety equipment, etc.
However, this should be discussed with your suppliers and those funding
your scheme.
Another good way of raising awareness of your scheme is holding a launch
day. This could involve inviting parents, the local community and those who
may be included in your scheme to a promotional day. If the funding you
have available can stretch you could provide refreshments or lunch to
encourage attendance. During the launch you can inform parents what the
scheme involves and how they can apply to the scheme. You could even
supply application forms on the day. An event like this can increase uptake
of the scheme and can give you the opportunity to promote safety in the
home. Equipment can be displayed for parents to view.
Depending upon your target groups’ needs you may require an interpreter.
30
Evaluation
As with any project, the planning stage of your scheme is important. If you
follow the stages we have provided there should be little left to chance
with regard to problems or complications throughout the course of your
scheme.
When planning your scheme you must set clear, well-defined objectives or
outcome measures to evaluate how effective it is. Your evaluation is about
establishing what you are doing and will help you decide whether or not
you have achieved your objectives. This will allow you to show others e.g.
funding bodies, how you are doing. Make sure that you record adequate
information as you go along and keep sufficient data in order to evaluate
later on in the project.
Monitoring your scheme to ascertain it’s affects and success is important. It is a
way of learning from successes and mistakes as well as giving you the right
information to seek future funding. Your approach to monitoring and
evaluating will vary depending on your schemes’ aims and objectives, however,
you can evaluate your scheme by focusing on the following:
• Amount of interest shown from health visitors, parents, etc
• Number of referrals
• Number of applications
• Equipment being used
• Positive or negative feedback from social workers, parents, etc
• Equipment being returned at end of loan period
• Number of injuries occurring amongst children under 5 Years
• Accident & Emergency attendance or admittance (requires co-operation from A
& E departments)
• Number of parents who aren’t accessing the scheme & why
31
Feedback can be obtained through questionnaires, interviews, feedback
sheets, workshops or focus group discussions.
CAPT have identified the following factors for successful evaluation:
• Set realistic, measurable aims
• Build in the evaluation from the start
• Evaluate the process as well as the outcome
• Set a timetable for the evaluation
• Use your evaluation for future work
Remember evaluating should be an on-going part of planning and
developing, rather than an afterthought. For more help with your
evaluation see Useful Resources (p.41).
32
Conclusion
Delivering a home safety equipment scheme may seem like a daunting
task. However, schemes are crucial in addressing accidental injuries within
the home. Setting up a scheme can
be made easier by deciding on
components of the scheme such as
payments, storage, fitting and
delivery. The summary tables on the
following pages should help you
identify the main advantages and
disadvantages of different schemes.
Parents, carers and community groups
need to be aware of safety issues, the
importance of health and safety
products and their role in reducing
accidental injuries. Those most at risk
from accidental injuries also need to
have access to and information on
home safety equipment schemes. By
publicising your scheme, using
posters, local media or through
newsletters, local people will become
aware that you exist. Publicity
materials can be distributed to health
centres, parent and baby groups and other local services in order to
promote both your scheme and safety in the home.
For further advice, information and support we have provided contact
details for relevant individuals and organisations with expertise in home
safety and accidental injury prevention. We have also provided you with a
checklist to enable you to see what shape the scheme takes that most suits
the aims and capacities of your group or organisation.
If you are planning to set up a home safety equipment scheme or have
already done so and you wish to add information please send us your
comments using the section provided in Appendix 8 (p.53).
33
Loan Scheme Summary
Advantages
• Parents can keep in contact with the
scheme
• Renewing loan agreement, etc, gives
opportunity to offer parents
information, advice and support
• Cost to families can be low (or no cost)
Disadvantages
• Start up and administration costs
• Need to record details of all loaned
equipment and keep track of loan
renewal dates
• Limited stock to loan
• Loan charges can purchase further
equipment
• Few items of equipment may be
returned. Items that are returned may
not be re-usable
• Opportunity to sell small items of
equipment to help sustain scheme
• Returned equipment must be cleaned,
checked, repaired, etc
• Equipment can be used by many people
e.g. passed on to friends, family
members, neighbours
• Scheme may be liable for any advice,
service, or equipment it provides
• Parents may approach scheme with any
problems they are experiencing
• Requires storage (cost, availability,
convenience, theft, etc)
• Often requires fitting service due to
liability issues
Low Cost Scheme Summary
Advantages
• Parents can purchase equipment
cheaper than from a retailer
• Opportunity to offer range of payment
methods; one large payment, no
payment, instalments or sliding scale
• Ownership of equipment is passed on
to the parent following initial purchase
• Parents can do as they choose once they
own equipment
• Reduces risk of liability (unless a fitting
service is provided)
• Potentially unlimited stock
• Opportunity to reach many families, as
scheme costs can be low
Disadvantages
• Scheme not always self financing
• Start up and administration costs
• Parents cannot always afford to
contribute
• Costs may need to be subsidised
• Parents may have little contact with the
scheme (does not give the opportunity
to address parents’ concerns)
• Requires storage facilities (cost,
availability, convenience, theft, etc)
• Often requires delivery service
• Equipment may be sold on (may need
to regularly check that this is not
occurring)
• Equipment may not be installed
correctly, or at all, where a fitting
service is not provided
34
Voucher Scheme Summary
Advantages
Disadvantages
• Start up costs are minimal (printing
vouchers, etc)
• More suited to parents with their own
transport
• Administration duties are minimal
• Parents may be expected to contribute
• Does not require storage
• Parents do not always collect their
equipment
• Does not require delivery service
• Reduces risk of liability
• Manufacturer is responsible for
equipment, rather than the scheme
• Parents are involved in the purchasing
process
• Parents feel empowered and
responsible for their child’s safety
• Vouchers are relatively easy to produce
• Costs may need to be subsidised
• Retailer may take a long time to
redeem the money
• Parents may attempt to return
equipment for a refund
• Possibility vouchers may be copied
• May need to keep track of who
has/hasn’t collected equipment
• Parents might not fit their own
equipment once it has been collected
(may need to check this)
35
References
1
UNICEF (2001) A league table of child deaths by injury in rich nations
Florence, Italy, UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre pp. 1-28.
2
HASS (1998) The role of parental supervision and accidents in the home
London, Consumer Affairs Directorate, Department of Trade & Industry
3
Towner. E & Ward. H (1998) Prevention of injuries to children and young
people Injury Prevention Vol. 4 (Suppl) S17–S25
4
Health Links (1999) The prevention of unintentional injury in children and
young people: a literature review Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, & Wirral
& West Cheshire Community NHS Trust, Merseyside, Health Links
5
DOH (Department of Health) (1993) The Health of the Nation London,
HMSO
6
DTI (1991) Child safety equipment for use in the home London, Consumer
Safety Unit
7
HEA (Health Education Authority) (1992) Play it Safe London, HEA
8
RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) (2002) Can the
home ever be safe?: the need to improve safety in the built environment of
homes and gardens Birmingham, RoSPA
9
CAPT (Child Accident Prevention Trust) (2000) Safety equipment schemes:
guidelines for practitioners London, CAPT
36
Contacts
It is often helpful to speak to individuals who are
already running a scheme. Kid Rapt are able to put you
in touch with schemes similar to your own. Call Carol
or Penny for more more info (see contacts, p.37). Kid
Rapt Ltd provide home safety equipment to many loan
schemes, local authorities and health authorities (see
Equipment Suppliers, p.40).
If you have internet access go to;
www.ChildSafety.co.uk From this site you can select
‘Links’ that takes you to contact details for a range of
organisations:
•
RoSPA Home Safety
•
British Standards Institute (BSI)
•
Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)
•
Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
•
Institute of Home Safety*
*Select this, then click on ‘Safety Links’. This allows you
to select any of the following organisations:
•
DTI Home Safety Network
•
Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT)
•
Department of Health (DoH)
The ‘Home Safety Index’ option takes you to a list of
leaflets and other resources produced by various
organisations on a range of home safety issues e.g.
Stay Safe at Home and Too Hot to Handle: are your
children safe in the kitchen?
37
Useful Contacts
Care and Repair
323 Roundhay Road
Leeds
LS8 4HT
t. 0113 240 6009
f. 0113 249 3349
email: care-repair@totalise.co.uk
www.care-repairleeds.org.uk
Child Accident Prevention Trust
(CAPT)
4th Floor, 18-20 Farringdon
Lane
London
EC1R 3HA
t. 0207 608 3828
f. 0207 608 3674
www.capt.org.uk
email: safe@capt.demon.co.uk
Department of Health (DoH)
Richmond House
79 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2NS
t. 0207 210 4850
email: dhmail@doh.gsi.gov.uk
www.doh.gov.uk/
DTI & Home Safety Network
DTI Enquiry Unit
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H OET
t. 0207 215 5000
email: enquiries@dti.gsi.gov.uk
www.dti.gov.uk/index
Leeds Voice
Suit 56
Concourse House
432 Dewsbury Road
LS11 7DF
t. 0113 277 2227
f. 0113 276 2960
email: info@leedsvoice.org.uk
www.leedsvoice.org.uk
Public Health Resource Library
Suites 2, 3 & 8
Armley Park Court
Stanningley Road
LS12 2AE
t. 0113 295 3080
f. 0113 295 3086
email:lynnebrook@cwcom.net
Royal Society for the Prevention
of Accidents (RoSPA)
Edgbaston Park
353 Bristol Road
Birmingham B5 7ST
t. 0121 248 2001
f. 0121 248 2001
email: help@rospa.co.uk
www.rospa.com
Sure Start Beeston Hill
246-252 Dewsbury Road
Beeston
Leeds LS11 6HQ
t. 0113 270 2288
email: sally.ben@fsu.org.uk
Sure Start Bramley
28-32 Elder Road
Bramley
Leeds LS13 4DL
t. 0113 255 7755
email: info@surestartbramley.co.uk
38
Sure Start Burley
The Cardigan Centre
145-149 Cardigan Road
Burley
Leeds LS6 1LJ
t. 0113 289 9805
email: BurleySureStart@aol.com
Sure Start Chapeltown
6-8 Avenue Hill
Chapeltown
Leeds LS8 4EY
t. 0113 295 1796
Sure Start Harehills
Unit 21
Unity Business Park
26 Roundhay Road
Leeds LS7 1AB
t. 0113 295 1595
email: surestart01@btconnect.com
Sure Start Little London
Woodhouse Health Centre
Woodhouse Street
Leeds LS6 2NS
t. 0113 245 8480
Sure Start Middleton
Middleton Clinic
Acre Close
Middleton
Leeds LS10 4HT
t. 0113 276 2386
email: surestartmiddleton@i12.com
Sure Start Seacroft
East Leeds Family Learning Centre
Brooklands View
Leeds LS14 6SA
t. 0113 224 3461
email: seacroftsurestart@lycos.co.uk
Voluntary Action Leeds
Stringer House
34 Lupton Street
Hunslet
LS10 2QW
t. 0113 297 7920 Ext. 207
email: info@val.org.uk
www.val.org.uk
Free Resources
A Child’s Safety is Worth Every
Penny: Particularly when it comes
to in-car safety
&
A Child’s Safety is Worth Every Penny:
Is ‘Nearly New’ Good Enough?
Baby Products Association (BPA)
Freepost ANG 5097
Vicarage Road
Pitstone
Bedfordshire
LU7 9ZZ
t. 01296 660 990
email your order:
bpa@fsbdial.co.uk
Funding Information
Government Office Yorkshire
& Humber
PO Box 213
City House
New Station Street
Leeds LS1 4US
t. 0113 280 0600
email: enquiries.goyh@goregions.gsi.gov.uk
www.goyh.gov.uk/
39
Neighbourhood Renewal Unit
Office of the Deputy Prime
Minister, 3rd Floor, C/5
Eland House , Bressenden Place
London SW1E 5DU
t. 08450 828 383
email:
neighbourhoodrenewal@odpm.gsi.gov.uk
UK Community Grants Directory
http://www.have.org.uk/assets/AZ_of_UK_Government_Grants.htm
(Sign up to Grants Online)
www.grantsonline.org.uk
Voluntary Action Leeds’ Library
t. 0113 297 7920
email: library@val.org.uk
Funding Available in Leeds
• Leeds Special Grants Programme
• Community Grants for Healthy
Living (HAZ)
You can also contact your Primary
Care Trust:
Leeds Public Health Network
North West
t. 0113 305
South PCT
t. 0113 305
East PCT
t. 0113 305
West PCT
t. 0113 305
North East PCT t. 0113 305
7120
9666
9521
9400
9763
Equipment Suppliers
We have provided contact details for
a number of equipment suppliers.
This is not an exhaustive list.
Argos
Leeds Crown Point
Unit 1, Crown Point Retail Park
Junction Street
Leeds
LS10 1ET
t. 0113 245 6153
www.argos.co.uk
• Leeds Community Chest Grant
• Leeds Teenage Pregnancy and
Parenting Strategy 2001-2011
To apply for any of the funding listed,
request an application form from:
Leeds City Council
Joint Planning Support Unit
Social Services Department
2nd Floor East
Merrion House
110 Merrion House
Leeds LS2 8QB
t. 0113 247 7396
f. 0113 247 7779
email:
vicky.a.johnson@leeds.gov.uk
Bettacare Ltd
9-19 Faygate Business Centre
Faygate
West Sussex RH12 4DN
Tel. 7 fax. 01293 851 896
email. info@bettacare.co.uk
www.bettacare.co.uk/
Ikea
Holden Ing Way
Birstall
Batley WF17 9AE
t. 0845 355 2261
www.ikea.co.uk/
40
Index
Units 15/16/17 St Johns Centre
Leeds LS2 8LQ
t. 0870 163 4842
4 White Rose Shopping Centre
Leeds LS11 8LU
t. 0113 277 1992
www.littlewoods-index.com
Kid Rapt
56 Barton Road
Luton, Beds LU3 2AG
t. & f. 01582 493 382
email: info@childsafety.co.uk
www.ChildSafety.co.uk
Mothercare
Crown Point Retail Park
Junction Street
Leeds LS10 1EW
t. 0113 244 0555
www.mothercare.com
RoSPA Products & Services - To
obtain a catalogue see ‘RoSPA’
Toys R Us
Gelderd Road, Birstall
Batley WF17 9XG
t. 01924 420 556
www.toysrus.co.uk/
Safety Standards
Trading Standards
PO Box 5
Nepshaw Lane South
Morley
Leeds LS27 0QP
t. 0113 253 0241
f. 0113 253 0311
email: info@wyts.org.uk
www.ts.wyjs.org.uk/index1.htm
Useful Resources
Child Accident Prevention Trust
(Booklet)
CAPT (2000) Safety Equipment
Schemes: Guidelines for
Practitioners CAPT, London
Child Accident Prevention Trust
(Booklet)
CAPT (2000) Home Safety Checks:
A Guide, CAPT, London
Health Action Zone
(Resource Pack)
HAZ (2002) Evaluation Toolkit: A
practical guide to project
evaluation, HAZ, Leeds
www.haznet.org.uk/hazs/hazmap/l
eeds_eval- rpt.jul02.pdf
To obtain a copy of this contact
the Public Health Resource Centre
(see Useful Contacts, p.38).
Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)
DTI Enquiry Unit
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H OET
t. 020 7215 5000
email: enquiries@dti.gsi.gov.uk
www.dti.gov.uk
41
Appendix 1
Checklist
Your Home Safety Equipment Scheme - A Summary
You can follow this as your scheme develops to help ensure you have
covered all aspects of your home safety equipment scheme.
1. Partners
2. Payment
Who will be involved?
Will you loan equipment?
......................................................................
......................................................................
Free of charge
"
Parents pay a deposit
"
Parents pay a small fee
"
......................................................................
Will you provide equipment?
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
Who will you seek advice from?
Free of charge
"
At reduced/subsidised cost
"
At cost price
"
Will you give parents vouchers?
To purchase equipment
"
......................................................................
To contribute to purchase
"
......................................................................
To get equipment fitted
"
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
Which retailers can parents go to?
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
Will you use a sliding scale so that
parents from different circumstances pay
different amounts for equipment?
Yes "
No "
42
3. Services
Seeking support with fundraising
"
From whom?
What services will you provide?
Delivery
"
Fitting
"
Maintenance
"
Home safety check
"
Home safety advice
"
Safety education e.g. leaflets
"
Other
"
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
5. Target Group & Boundaries
......................................................................
Where will your target area be?
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
Defined geographically:
"
By postcode
"
By Sure Start area
"
Other
"
......................................................................
Who will your target group be?
4. Finance
Particular groups:
"
Low income
"
defined by evidence of:
How will you fund your scheme?
Income support
"
Unemployment
"
Funding is already provided
"
Ethnic Minorities
"
Seeking funding
"
Other
"
Where from?
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
Seeking advice on fundraising
"
From whom?
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
Will you provide any services to those
who do not meet your criteria for
inclusion?
Provide discounted equipment
"
Provide equipment at cost price
"
Provide a delivery service
"
Provide a fitting service
"
Offer advice
"
43
Depends on request
"
......................................................................
......................................................................
Will you buy equipment by item?
"
Will you buy equipment in bulk?
"
Will this reduce the cost
of each item?
"
......................................................................
£ ....................................................................
......................................................................
£ ....................................................................
......................................................................
£ ....................................................................
......................................................................
£ ....................................................................
6. Purchasing Equipment
7. Storage
What equipment will you provide?
Will you need to store equipment? "
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
Storage is already available
"
Storage needs to be arranged
"
Storage space is secure
"
Storage is covered by
......................................................................
insurance
......................................................................
Location of storage:
......................................................................
"
......................................................................
......................................................................
Who will supply this equipment?
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
8. Fitting
......................................................................
Will you provide a fitting service?
What is the cost of each item?
"
Fitting all equipment
"
Fitting selected items
"
£ ....................................................................
......................................................................
£ ....................................................................
......................................................................
£ ....................................................................
......................................................................
44
Full-time fitter to be employed
"
Part-time fitter to be employed
"
Contract/Session worker
"
Volunteer fitter
"
Fitting equipment yourselves
"
Advertise
"
Arrange salary
"
What are the needs of the fitter?
Fitter will collect and deliver
"
Delivery only
"
Only deliver to point of storage
"
Only deliver to parents’ homes
"
Have you:
Sought legal advice
"
Prepared a disclaimer
"
Sought insurance cover
"
Child injury prevention training
"
Health and safety training
"
Safety equipment training
"
General fitting training
"
Police check
"
Will you provide a maintenance service to
Provide tools
"
check and repair safety equipment? "
Insurance
"
Other Needs
......................................................................
......................................................................
10. Maintenance
Check/repair loaned equipment
"
Check/repair fitted equipment
"
Check/repair returned equipment "
Check/repair any safety items that
are to be re-loaned/re-issued
"
......................................................................
What is the role of the fitter?
To fit all home safety equipment "
To fit selected safety items
11. Education
"
Will you provide information?
......................................................................
......................................................................
"
Safety equipment
"
Current safety standards
"
Correct installation of equipment "
......................................................................
Correct use of equipment
"
To check or measure house first
"
Child development
"
To advise parents on fitting
"
Second hand equipment
"
Supervision
"
Home safety check
"
To advise parents on correct use "
9. Delivery
Will you provide a delivery service? "
45
12. Referral
15. Costs
Who will refer parents to the scheme?
Have you calculated the following costs?
......................................................................
Administration
......................................................................
......................................................................
Créche for steering
group
£............
Educational materials
£............
......................................................................
Equipment and
......................................................................
parts (P&P)
......................................................................
13. Publicity
£............
£............
Hospitality
e.g. refreshments
£............
Insurance
£............
Legal advice
£............
Maintenance of
How will you publicise your scheme?
Leaflets
"
Newsletters
"
Launch event
"
Advertise locally
"
Where?
equipment
£............
Police Checks
£............
Publicity
£............
Recruitment
£............
Rent
(Office space, Storage)
£............
Salaries
£............
Tools
£............
Training
£............
Transport
£............
Volunteer expenses
£............
Other
£............
TOTAL COSTS
£............
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
14. Evaluation
How will you evaluate your scheme?
What are the outcome measures? e.g. the
number of safety items distributed
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
46
Appendix 2
Inclusion Criteria
The majority of home safety equipment schemes follow strict inclusion
criteria in order to target those most in need and to keep costs low.
Criteria parents must meet to be referred to the scheme could include any
or all of the following characteristics;
• At least one child under 5 years
• The child is known to have had an injury within the home
• Known hazard within the home
• The family do not own safety equipment
• The family are on a low income or experiencing financial difficulties
• Appropriate borough or known deprived area
• Parenting problems e.g. marital breakdown, domestic violence, etc
• Parent or child has special needs (emotional, social or disability)
• Overcrowded or poor housing
• House is in poor state of repair and family do not have resources to rectify
• Unemployed or receiving benefits
• Multiple occupancy accommodation
Generally, parents are referred to the scheme once the referrer has
identified that their child is at risk of an accidental injury within the home,
whether that be a burn, scald or fall.
47
Appendix 3
Equipment Guide
Ticks show where equipment should be in place to prevent a child from
sustaining an injury within the home:
Child’s Age (from)
Birth - 3 months
4 months - 4 years
Appliance Locks
✓
Coiled Kettle Flex
✓
Corner Cushion
✓
✓
Cupboard Lock
✓
✓
Door Jam
✓
✓
Fireguard
✓
✓
Lockable Container
✓
✓
Match Container
✓
✓
Oven Door Guard
✓
Safety Gate
✓
Safety Glass / Film
✓
Socket Cover
✓
Video Lock
✓
Window Locks
✓
✓
Children develop at different paces. Due to this we have given an outline
of the types of equipment that are most useful according to the child’s
age. Although a four month old baby may not be particularly mobile,
having items such as door jams or a fireguard in place early on will help
parents provide a safe home environment before their child is at risk.
However, some parents may want equipment installed in their homes
earlier or later than outlined above.
Parents should be aware that some items of equipment are not
recommended once their child develops e.g. a child may learn to unscrew
a safety gate or learn how to open it and access the stairs.
48
Appendix 4
Example of a Sliding Scale
The home safety equipment scheme run by Sure Start Bramley, Leeds,
follow a similar sliding scale. You can develop your own scale depending
on your target group.
Financial Situation
Amount Payable / Discount
Both parents working
Full price
Single parent / borderline for benefits
£1 - £3 reduction
Working families tax credit
20% discount
Income Support - lone parent
50% discount
Income Support - couple under 25
50% discount
Income Support - couple over 25
40% discount
49
Appendix 5
Safety Items
There are a number of items that you could provide, many of which are
recommended by RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of
Accidents):
• Appliance locks
• Car seats and restraints
• Child resistant match containers
• Choker testers
• Coiled kettle/toaster flexes
• Corner cushions
• Cupboard locks
• Door jams
• Fire blankets
• Fireguards
• Garden pond mesh
• Gas detectors
• Lockable containers
• Non-slip bath mats
• Oven door guards
• Playpens
• Plug socket covers
• Room thermometers
• Safety gates and extensions
• Safety glass
• Safety glass film
• Safety harnesses (prams & pushchairs)
• Smoke alarms/detectors
• Thermostatic mixer valves
• Video locks
• Window locks
50
Appendix 6
Example Referral Form
You can adapt this referral form for your own needs. Discuss any forms
with those involved in the scheme, particularly your referrer. Your form
must comply with any legal obligations of the organisation from which
you are running your scheme. You may need to include your funders’ logo.
Client’s Details
Name of Client:
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone Number:
Mobile:
Equipment Details
Equipment Required:
1 ................................................................
2 ................................................................
3 ................................................................
4 ................................................................
Date of referral:
/
/
Reason for Referral:
Referrer’s Details
Referrer’s Name:
Organisation / Role:
Telephone Number:
Signed: ......................................................
Date:
/
Print Name: ..............................................
/
Please return completed form to the scheme co-ordinator
51
Appendix 7
Example Loan Agreement
You can adapt this loan agreement for your own scheme. You should
discuss any forms with those involved in the scheme, particularly your
referrer. Your form must comply with any legal obligations of the
organisation from which you are running your scheme.
Client’s Details
Name of Client:
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone Number:
Mobile:
Details of Loaned Equipment
1 ............................................
Ref No ....................................
Date Fitted:
/
/
2 ............................................
Ref No ....................................
Date Fitted:
/
/
3 ............................................
Ref No ....................................
Date Fitted:
/
/
Equipment Fitted by:
Equipment Supplied by:
Date equipment will be fitted by:
/
/
Client’s Declaration
I understand that the items loaned to me under this agreement remain the property of ...............
I have been shown how to use and maintain equipment correctly and I understand that equipment
will be checked by ............... I understand that my child’s safety is my responsibility at all times.
Signed: ......................................................
Print Name: ..............................................
Scheme’s Declaration
We undertake to loan the above items and to check them regularly. We have shown the client
how to use and maintain the equipment and will offer any support or advice should they need it.
Equipment has been fitted, as advised by the manufacturer’s instructions. A copy of the
instructions has been given to the client.
Signed: ......................................................
Date:
/
Print Name: ..............................................
/
52
Appendix 8
Feedback
We would welcome any feedback. Please use the space provided for any
suggestions you may have.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
53
notes
notes
notes
notes