Inspection on 10/11/05 for Ashleigh College

This inspection was carried out on 10th November 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

Other inspections for this house

Ashleigh College 18/04/07

Ashleigh College 21/02/06

Ashleigh College 02/03/05

Ashleigh College 22/06/04

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 08/07/2008.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Ashleigh College 3 Elmfield Park Gosforth Newcastle Upon Tyne Tyne & Wear NE3 4UX Lead Inspector Hilary Stewart Unannounced Inspection 10th November 2005 10:00 Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Ashleigh College Address 3 Elmfield Park Gosforth Newcastle Upon Tyne Tyne & Wear NE3 4UX 0191 213 0833 0191 2132614 lesley.lane@espa.org.uk Telephone number Fax number Email address Provider Web address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) European Services for People with Autism Limited Ms Sarah Lendrum Care Home 18 Category(ies) of Learning disability (18) registration, with number of places Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. To accommodate up to eight students between the ages of 16 and 18 years. The College may under limited and agreed conditions make arrangements for assessment of applicants under the age of 16 years old. 7th February 2003 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Ashleigh College provides a fixed term residential service for students who are diagnosed as having Aspergers Syndrome. The service has evolved over a number of years and Ashleigh College now specialises in meeting the care, developmental and educational needs of students with this syndrome. Placements at the college usually last three years. Ashleigh College is part of the European Services for People with Autism Limited (ESPA) this organisation has a number of autisin specific resources across the North East region. The college is situated in the Newcastle suburb of Gosforth.There is easy access to local amenities as well as the city centre. The college and grounds are spacious and well maintained. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection started at 10:00am and lasted for approximately 4 ¾ hours. Some of the students were present. The inspector spoke to seven of the students’ three members of staff and the manager. Records and the building were examined. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? A maintenance manager has been employed so repairs and improvements to the building can be more coordinated. The horticultural facility is nearly completed so this will add to the activities available to students. Individual information held about each student is more accurate now the care plan (living plan) format has been reviewed and up dated. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 and 3. Each student who lives at Ashleigh College has had their needs assessed so staff know how to care for them. The students are given information and can visit the college before they move in. EVIDENCE: The manager said that the needs of each resident were assessed prior to him or her moving into the college. It would be decided if the students’ range of needs could be met at the college. As part of the assessment each student stays overnight then attends the college. They stay for three months and then a decision is made whether their needs can be met. Evidence was found in the student’s individual files of them having a care plan (living plan). The manager said that the student’s needs are being met at Ashleigh College. One resident said that were very happy at the college and were learning a lot. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6 and 7. All of the students have an individual plan that is reviewed regularly with them so they know what it contains. Students are consulted in a variety of ways about the running of Ashleigh College so they know they are listened too. EVIDENCE: As stated earlier the manager said that each student has an individual plan. This plan is reviewed regularly and staff go through the contents of each students plan with them. They reflect personal goals such as what type of employment they would like. Some files were inspected and found to contain information regarding the personal, social support and healthcare needs of the students. The manager said that the staff regularly look at the options open to the students in relation to work, leisure and social activities at the same time being realistic about the choices. Social activities are discussed in a group and then the plans are made about the arrangements. For instance how they will get to the venue and how much money they will need. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Staff were seen asking the students their opinions and speaking to them in a respectful manner. Records showed that students choose what they want to do and that they have individual trips out. The manager said that risk assessments have been carried out to support the students when carrying out tasks and activities. Some students don’t communicate verbally so staff said they have to use other methods to communicate with them such as watching their facial expressions or body language. This is so they can tell what they like and don’t like. Some students are given cards that they can hand to staff if they are feeling bored or upset so the staff will help them. Some of the students said that they would talk to the staff if they wanted to take part in a particular activity. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12,13,15 and 17. The students at Ashleigh College have access to a variety of leisure activities so they gain confidence and self-esteem. They use the local amenities so that they can become part of the community. Students see their family and friends so they don’t loose contact with them. The meals served at the home are varied and balanced so students learn about healthy eating. EVIDENCE: The manager and staff said that the students are encouraged to take part in a variety of leisure activities so they can enjoy themselves and gain confidence. They are supported to pursue their own choice of leisure activities. The records showed that the residents had been to the pub, swimming and local shops. Students have a good relationship with some of the neighbours. The manager said that work is carried out with the students, which is aimed at enabling them to have appropriate relationships. A benefit for the students when they attend Ashleigh College is that they make friends. They learn about Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 relationships building, taking turns and other interpersonal skills. Staff said that the student’s rights are respected. The manager said that students are involved in planning the menus. There is always an alternative meal available and staff promote healthy eating. Records showed that the meals provided are varied and nutritious. The students said that they liked the food. They can choose their own meals and they regularly cook for themselves and go shopping. One student said, “they make a lovely curry” another liked the Mexican food. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18,19 and 20. If the students need to take medication the staff ensure that they receive it. The dignity and privacy of students is respected so they feel valued and are encouraged to respect the privacy of others. Each student’s health and welfare is monitored continually to ensure they remain in good health. They have regular check ups at the dentist and opticians. EVIDENCE: The students individual records kept in the college contained details of health checks. Both the manager and staff described how the health and welfare of the students is constantly monitored. It is discussed during staff meetings and with the individuals through either observation or during conversations. The manager said that if it is appropriate students control their own medication. Staff receive training with regards to medication procedures at the college so that the student’s medication is administered properly. The students who were at the college looked smart and well groomed. Students said that if they felt unwell they would tell the staff and then go to the doctors. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 and 23. Ashleigh College has a complaints procedure that is available to the students so any problems can be resolved quickly. Procedures are in place to protect the students from abuse so they can feel safe. EVIDENCE: The manager said that the college has a complaints procedure, which is available to students and their families. Records showed that there had not been any complaints made since the last inspection. The students said that they would tell staff if they were not happy about something and the staff would sort it out. The manager said that staff have completed training in how to protect vulnerable people from abuse. Staff could describe the procedure to be followed if an allegation of abuse was made. The line manager said that all staff have training in behaviour management. Various techniques are included in the training. The training will follow the new Department for Education and Skills guidelines when they are published. The manager said that physical intervention would be used as the last resort. Each student has an individual behaviour management plan. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 and 30. The college building is clean, tidy and looked comfortable so it is a pleasant place for the students to live. Students’ rooms suit their needs and promote independence. Privacy is respected in bathing and toilet areas so the students feel valued. There weren’t any offensive odours present. EVIDENCE: The college looks comfortable and is warm. One student showed me their room, which had been personalised to their own taste. They said that their bedrooms were private and staff ask before they enter their rooms. Bathing and toilet areas were pleasant and warm. The college has adequate laundry facilities. Policies and procedures relating to the control of infection are in place. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32 and 35. Staffing levels at the college ensure the needs of the students are being met. They are sufficient staff so the students can be supported at college, go out to enjoy themselves and gain more confidence. Staff receive training and supervision that enables them to meet the needs of the students. EVIDENCE: The manager said that staffing levels allow for the students to have enough support to ensure their assessed needs are being met. Four staff have completed an NVQ 3 in ‘Caring for Children and Young People’ and a further five staff are working towards it. One member of staff has the NVQ 2 in ‘Care’ and another four are working towards it. One member of staff is working towards the NVQ 3 in ‘Care’. The manager is in the process of completing the Registered Manager Award. Staff said that they receive the mandatory training in food hygiene, fire safety and first aid. One staff member said the training helped them work with the students. One student said that they were happy at college and they liked the staff because they helped them and they are ‘a good laugh’. Another student said the staff are ‘hard working’ and ‘the staff are great’. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 The manager said that staff receive individual supervision and appraisals. Records showed that staff meetings take place. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39 and 42. The college has procedures in place to promote the health and safety of the students. These ensure that their best interests and rights are safeguarded. Ashleigh College is visited regularly by managers to check that the residential service is running well for the students. A quality assurance system is used by the college to check that it is meeting the needs of the students. EVIDENCE: Records showed that regular training is given to staff in fire safety so they are familiar with the procedures that must be followed if there is a fire. One student said that they did fire drills. The manager said that risk assessments are carried out and recommendations from the fire authority are complied with. The manager and staff said that regular checks are carried out on the equipment in the college; this includes testing electrical goods and the central heating boiler. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 The manager said that registered provider visits are carried out every month and a report is completed on how the college is running. Copies of the reports were available. The manager said that every year staff, students and their families are consulted about the running of the college. This information is collected and is used to form a development plan for the following year. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score X 3 3 X X Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 3 3 X X X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 X X X X X 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 X 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X 3 X X 3 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Ashleigh College Score 3 3 3 X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 X 3 X X 3 X DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V265284.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. 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