Although we try whenever possible to fit the equipment in the client's preferred location we are governed by legislation, manufacturer's guidelines and the layout and condition of your home.

We successfully applied for and were subsequently awarded the Government Charter Mark standard in September 2004 which recognises excellence in customer service.  On the day of inspection, the assessor made several key comments.  One of the comments about service delivery was that the Child Safety Equipment Scheme in partnership with the Health Authority should be recommended for Best Practice recognition.

How to get a referral

Referrals can be made by the Health Visitor Service, Asylum Seeker Support Worker or the Family Safety Scheme Safety Advisor.  To qualify clients must:

• live in Newcastle upon Tyne
• have a child under 5 years old (to qualify for a safety gate your child must be under 24 months old)
• be on a low income or receiving means tested benefit

Our commitment

We will:

• provide all of our clients with a high quality, customer focused service
• ensure equipment will conform to current and future British standards for quality and safety
• offer a morning or afternoon appointment at least 7 days before fitting is to take place
• answer all queries within 2 working days
• deliver and fit, by our trained Child Safety Fitters, all equipment according to the manufacturers guidelines
• provide clients with instructions on how to use the equipment.

Your commitment

We ask that you:

• ensure that on the day of fitting the fitter can gain access to your property and you are present.  If you are not going to be home please give us as much notice as possible
• use and maintain the equipment in line with the manufacturer's guidelines
• test the smoke alarm once a month
• tell the person who made your referral if you move and need the equipment in your new home
• keep a safe environment for your child.

Equipment

Fire guards: Each household is entitled to one extendible, metal fire guard which must be fixed to the wall.  These are suitable to cover gas and open fires but not free standing heaters.

Safety Gates: (for children under 24 months old) There are two widths of safety gate, fixed and extendible, covering widths ranging from 24 inches to 42.9 inches.  If you live in a house you may be entitled to two gates.  Safety gates are primarily intended to secure stairs and the kitchen.

Smoke Alarms: A ten year, battery operated smoke alarm is provided and fitted in an appropriate place.

Cupboard and Drawer Locks: These locks are designed to prevent young children from getting into cupboards and drawers containing potentially dangerous items.  Each household will get drawer locks for one knife draw and up to two cupboard locks for detergent cupboards.

Door Stopper: A door stopper will be fitted to your living room door frame to prevent the door slamming shut.

Performance

When we carry out Safety Equipment Installation, we ask our customers what they think.  Between April 2006 and April 2007, we installed over 1600 Safety Packs, over 2000 safety gates and 600 fire guards.

• 97% rated the scheme as either very good or excellent
• 100% reported that the installation was carried out at a time and day convenient to them
• 95% were either satisfied or very satisfied with the overall way the installation was carried out