Inspection on 18/04/07 for Ashleigh College

This inspection was carried out on 18th April 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. 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 found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 1 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Ashleigh College 21/02/06

Ashleigh College 10/11/05

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 Key Unannounced Inspection 18th April 2007 11:00 Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 213 2614 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 Mrs Sarah Eccles Care Home 18 Category(ies) of Learning disability (18) registration, with number of places Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. 21st February 2006 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). The organisation has a number of autism 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. The college charges £54,864 p.a. to £74,166 p.a. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection started at 11:00am and lasted for approximately 6 hours. During the visit the inspector met with some of the students who were staying at the college. A number of questionnaires were sent out to the students. Other ways the inspectors looked at the college included: • • • • • • • • Talking with the deputy manager who is covering for the manager for the next few months. Talking with the students and staff Talking with the other deputy manager Reading the students files and other care records Watching the staff and students together Looking around the college residential building Observing what the staff and students had at meal times Case tracking some of the students care plans What the service does well: The staff team at the college make sure that they are aware of each student’s needs so they get the right type of care. The staff know the different preferences of each student, so students know that they are listened to and their opinions are valued. The students are treated as individuals and they are supported to live the life they choose as much as possible. This is so they will gain confidence and feel they have some control over their lives. Staff make a lot of effort to enable the students to experience a variety of activities so they have more choice. This helps build their self-esteem and confidence. The staff team make sure that the college is clean, warm and pleasantly furnished so the students can be comfortable and relaxed. Staff work hard to enable students to use local services so they are part of the community. There are procedures in place at the college that make sure that the students are protected and kept safe from abuse. The staff are supervised and trained so they know how to provide the students with good care. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The college has it’s own horticultural facility so the students can learn about this subject on site. There is a good-humoured relationship between the students and the staff. The residential area has a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere so the students can feel relaxed. The residential staff work closely with the college staff so students receive consistent information from both to help avoid them becoming anxious. When students attend Ashleigh College they can make friends and at the same time learn about relationship building, taking turns and other interpersonal skills. This will help them maintain relationships with people when they move on. Accurate and up to date information is kept in the care plans of each student so staff know how to meet their needs. What has improved since the last inspection? 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students are provided with good information about the college so they can make an informed decision about whether the service is right for them. The students have an assessment before they start at the college so the staff know how to meet their needs. EVIDENCE: Student’s needs had been assessed before they began staying at the college. The manager and their deputy said that all of the students have overnight stays before they move into the college. Staff assess them during this stay. Students are involved in this process. The manager and staff said that all of the students were involved in the assessment and reviewing process. Some students have been worried about whether they will stay at the college for the third year because decisions about funding have taken a long time from local funding authorities. The manager said the systems are improving so students should know more quickly in the future. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6,7 and 9. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students are supported to become more independent at the same time staff try to reduce the risks so they are kept as safe as possible. EVIDENCE: The manager and deputy manager said that students are supported to be as independent while remaining safe. Risk assessments are used to look at how the students can be independent and at the same time the staff can try to keep them safe by minimizing any risk. Staff work with the students so they can learn to travel independently. Some students now travel to the college buildings by themselves. Others attend a Yugiho tournament in Sunderland. One student said “the staff show you how to use the bus”. The students are encouraged to make choices and decisions about what they want to do. One student said, I really it like here we can choose where we want to go. Another said, the staff are really nice and they help you. Staff said that they have worked with some students so they can learn to recognise Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 the value of money and how to use it. Some students can now manage their own medication and go out to the shop by themselves. Staff said that they regularly look at the options open to the students in relation to work, leisure and social activities. At the same time they have to be realistic about the choices. On student said we have lots of trips to interesting places. Trips are risk assessed and the plans are reviewed regularly. Staff were seen to be approachable and friendly to the students but at the same time they behaved in a respectful way to each other. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12,13,15,16 and 17. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students take part in various social activities so they can have new experiences and find new interests, which improve their quality of life. They have a nutritious well balanced diet so they learn how to eat healthily. The students are treated with respect by the staff so they can learn how to treat other people with respect. EVIDENCE: The staff and manager said that the students are encouraged to choose their own activities. They decide in the evenings what they want to do. The students and staff said that they go to the local swimming baths, library, pubs , restaurants and the sports centre. Some students went shopping during this visit. Staff said that one student is spending weekends at their new house Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 where eventually they will live full time. One student said “ we are always busy”. The manager and deputy manager said that staff support the students to learn more skills that will help them live more independently. The staff said that they recognise that the students have the same rights as everyone else to make choices but they have to look at the risks at the same time. Some students behave in ways that put them at risk so they need staff with them more often. Students said that they have their own keys to their rooms if they want. One student said “staff always knock at your door before they come in”. They said they could have privacy if they want. One student said that they wanted more time alone so they could play on their computer; records showed that they did have regular time off. Staff said that they work with the students around enabling them to recognise how to behave appropriately with other people. A lot of students when they attend Ashleigh College make friends with other students, so work is carried out with them about how to build relationships, considering other peoples feelings, taking turns and other interpersonal skills. The students have a varied nutritious diet. There is a four-week menu that the students can change. They dont plan the menu but the manager said that this could happen in the future. The menus are discussed during the student meetings and any issues are passed onto the managers. There is a catering manager employed by the organisation who is looking at ways that the students can eat more healthily for example having less salt and sugar in their food. Students get a choice of vegetarian and meat dishes. The students said that they can make snacks and drinks when they want. There are now new kitchens for the students to use. One has adaptations so people with a physical disability can use it. The staff and students said that they can contact their friends and families when they need to. Most of the students have their own mobile telephones but there is a pay phone they can use as well. Students were observed having contact with their friends and families throughout the visit. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18,19 and 20. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Student’s health care needs are taken care of at the college so their health is maintained and they are kept safe. EVIDENCE: The manager said and records showed that all of the staff have had training in how to deal with medication. Staff use a handover book, which they check whenever they come on duty. This is to make sure any changes in medication are passed on and staff are kept up to date. The medication records were up to date. Any discrepancies are taken very seriously. Some students if they can manage safely control their own medication. The students have an individual health plan; they also complete a self-care and home skills booklet. This booklet helps them keep a record about all the things they have learnt about health and hygiene; they can take it with them when they leave the college. The staff said and records showed that the students have regular health checks. One student said, I tell the staff if I dont feel well and they look after me. Another said that they had had a health check recently. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 and 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Procedures are in place to protect the students from abuse so they can feel safe. Complaint about the college are dealt with effectively so good relationships are maintained. EVIDENCE: The manager and deputy manager said and records showed that all staff have been trained in how to protect vulnerable adults. Staff could describe what they would do if they thought a student was being hurt and they said that they found the training very useful. The manager said staff were completing Open University training in child protection as well. Of the students spoken to they all said they felt safe at college and if they were worried about something they would tell the manager or their key worker. They said they could talk to all of the staff. One student said, the staff are very nice and helpful. Another said, the staff will keep you safe. The college has a procedure for responding to allegations of abuse. The manager and staff said that the students are shown information about the college’s complaints procedure when they first arrive. It has pictorial aids for students if they have difficulty reading. One student said that they knew how to make a complaint as the staff had explained this to them. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24,28 and 30. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. Safety checks have been carried out in the college so the residents are safeguarded. The college is comfortable and clean so the students have a pleasant place to live in. However if the some repairs were carried out and if cigarette smoke could be stopped from going into the building this would make it a safer environment for the students. EVIDENCE: The college is comfortable and warm. Three new kitchens have been created for the students to use. Students were seen using them and they thought they were a very good idea. The manager said that there are plans to replace the stair carpets, which is looking worn. A new kitchen is going to be fitted soon as well. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 There are an adequate amount of bathrooms and showers for the students. One of the showers was broken and could not be turned on. There was a large hole in one of the bathroom walls, which had been covered by a bit of cardboard kept up with drawing pins. Some, had come out and were lying on the bathroom floor. This could have caused injury to someone. The student’s bedrooms looked comfortable and they had personalised them. They had been made very individual and comfortable. In one bedroom the carpet had split and it was curled up in the middle of the floor the student said that they had nearly tripped over this. One student said that they “ like their room”. Another said that they liked spending time in there room, relaxing. Two students said that although people do not smoke in the college, a lot do outside in the garden. They said that they did not like having to watch this and the smell of the smoke came into the building. The manager and deputy manager said that they would look into how this could be resolved. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32,34 and 35. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staff are vetted and have all of the checks carried out before they start work at the college so the students are safeguarded. There are enough staff working at the college to make sure the needs of the students are met. EVIDENCE: The manager said that the college’s recruitment procedure is used to check new staff. Newly recruited staff cannot work at the college until all checks have been carried out. Three staff files were looked at and they showed that staff are checked and vetted before they work at the college. The deputy manager said that staff have an enhanced criminal records bureau check every three years. Staff said that they had been interviewed and checked prior to them working at the college. The manager said that although they are three staff short at the moment, they are managing to have sufficient staff on duty every day. Staff are working Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 extra hours. The rota showed that there were enough staff on duty every day and there were enough staff on duty on the day of the inspection. Staff said that they thought there were enough staff but if they had more they could spend more time with the students individually which they would like. Some students said that they would like to spend more time with their key workers. The manager and staff said and records showed that staff receive the training they need to care for the students. Some have completed extra training and the manager said that 35 have completed vocational qualifications. Records showed and staff said that they have regular supervision and staff meetings. The meetings are recorded; staff said that they find them useful. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Temporary management arrangements are meeting the needs of the service, and the quality of the service is improving. EVIDENCE: The deputy manager is temporarily covering for the registered manager. They said and records showed that they are being supported by their managers to carry out the task. Staff said that regular fire drills are carried out and they have been trained in fire safety. 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, we have fire drills, the alarms go off. Two students Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 demonstrated how they would leave the building if there were a fire. The deputy manager said that risk assessments are carried out and recommendations from the fire authority are complied with. The deputy 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 are kept at the college. The manager and deputy said and records showed that the college has a quality assurance system which takes into account the views of the students. Plans for the development of the service are reviewed every year. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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 Standard No Score 1 X 2 3 3 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 4 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 2 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 2 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 3 X 4 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 4 3 x 3 X 3 X X 3 X Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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. 1 Standard YA24 Regulation 23 Requirement The registered person must make sure that the shower is repaired, the hole in one the bathroom walls was repaired and the hall carpet and one of the bedroom carpets, which is torn, are repaired or replaced. Timescale for action 01/06/07 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1 Refer to Standard YA28 Good Practice Recommendations Look at where the smoking area is at the college so people don’t have to watch people smoking if the don’t want to and the smoke doesn’t go into the building. Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Ashleigh College DS0000000433.V330137.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!