Sure Start and Flying Start are Government programmes which aim to deliver the best start in life for every child by bringing together early education, childcare, health and safety and family support. 

The aims of the programmes are to engage with parents and their young children in order to raise awareness of fire safety at home and to promote the free Home Fire Safety Checks provided by the Fire and Rescue Service.

An Education Advisor usually attends Sure Start and Flying Start group gatherings to talk to parents about fire prevention, fire detection and making an escape plan. 

The presentation begins with a three minute film showing a real living room or bedroom fire.  This film always causes a series of shocked responses because of how quickly the fire spreads across the room.  The advisor then talks about preventative measures with particular reference to smoking, cooking, electrical and candle safety.

The importance of smoke detectors is stressed and advice is given about the correct positioning of them and how often they should be tested. 

Escaping a house fire, with children, is always a great concern for parents, and so parents are encouraged to plan, with their children, what to do if there is a fire and how to escape.

At the end of the session local firefighters arrive for the children have a look around the fire engine and have some fun squirting water! 

Goodies such as colouring sheets and fire helmets are also given to the children at the group.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is currently working with Sure Start, Flying Start across all ten Unitary Authorities.