Project Fact Sheet 5: Child Safety Equipment

Summary of the project

This project involves the loan of child home safety equipment to prevent childhood accidents in the home. Well over 8300 children under 5’s are now safer due to this scheme. The equipment is loaned free of charge to those families on low income, who would not otherwise be able to afford it. An assessment is made by the families Health Visitor and the scheme is administered by Wealden District Council. The equipment available includes stair-gates, fire guards, cupboard catches, window locks, smoke alarms etc.

Aim

To reduce the number of serious accidents occurring in the home to children under 5.

Council Priorities and Community Strategy Theme(s)

Putting People First
Purpose Through Partnership
Community Strategy Theme: Health and Social Care and Safety
Every Child Matters

Key Partners

Wealden District Council
East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust
Sure Start; Hailsham and Polegate Children Centres

Evaluation Methods

Regular evaluation of the scheme through parent questionnaires. Close auditing and monitoring of the stock of equipment. Review of admissions to local A&E Department at Eastbourne hospital due to accidental injury

Performance Target(s)

The data shows a reduction from 33% in 1995 to 25% in 2006/07 of children from the Hailsham East area attending the local hospital A&E Department for accidental injury

Lead Officer

Sophie Hepworth, Specialist Environmental Health Officer, Wealden District Council.

T: 01323 443275 F: 01323 443320 E: sophie.hepworth@wealden.gov.uk