Case Study: Fire Alarm Installation for Valence on the Green Community Shop

Located in Westerham in Kent, Valence School provides specialist teaching, social care, therapy and nursing care for children and young people with physical disabilities and complex medical needs. It’s a unique and special environment in many respects. And innovative too – as demonstrated by the recent opening of its Community Shop.

The shop provides a new way for Valence School to enhance its work and raise its profile. It’s been designed to be fully accessible for students and also to act as a hub for local people. It sells items produced by the students, along with gifts, donated goods and refreshments. The shop also offers space for community members like artists and crafters to display their work.

Supporting the shop with their fire safety requirements

Bromley Jackson Fire and Security branch director Sam Bradley first met shop manager Jackie Oliver in October 2023 before the shop had been opened. They were both attending a Sevenoaks District Chamber of Commerce networking event being held in the school. At that point in time, work was already underway to get the shop ready. Fully accessible entrances were being created, and a large care suite installed so students could spend time in the shop for work experience, learning activities and social opportunities. During their initial chat during the meeting, Jackie took the opportunity to talk to Sam about fire safety. They didn’t have anything in place at the shop and while Jackie knew they needed to look at it, she was unclear about exactly what had to be done.

Following that initial conversation, Sam and Jackie stayed in contact. Having learned more about the shop, and its vital role in supporting the school’s pupils as well as being such an important facility for the community, Sam was keen to support them. So he offered Jackie a £500 discount voucher towards the branch’s fire safety services to help them get the work completed on budget and in time for the shop opening, which she was delighted to accept.

The first step was to complete a full fire risk assessment. Once the assessment was completed, and the fire protection requirements identified, Sam and his team began installing a new fire alarm system. They also provided all of the fire extinguishers. The work was completed in time ready for the shop’s opening deadline and the Bromley team continues to be on hand to help with future fire safety needs.

How did Jackie feel about her experience of working with the Bromley team?

Jackie says, “The Jackson Fire and Security team did a really good job. When I met Sam at the Chamber of Commerce meeting at the school, we didn’t have any fire alarm systems or equipment here at all. I knew parts of what was needed but I didn’t really know what the legislation required us to do.

“Their service was great. Sam talked us through it all. They were brilliant – on the ball the whole time. There were no problems with anything, it all went really smoothly. We really appreciate their generosity – as a charity, they helped us out a lot.”

Branch director Sam Bradley comments, “The opening of the shop was a significant moment for the school and with such a varied group of building users, including many vulnerable people, addressing fire safety was vital. We were delighted to play our part with this fantastic initiative and we’re looking forward to continuing working with Jackie and her team.”