Inspection on 26/04/07 for Dilston College Of Further Education

This inspection was carried out on 26th April 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is (sorry - unknown). 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

Dilston College Of Further... 28/02/06

Dilston College Of Further... 28/06/05

Dilston College Of Further... 08/03/05

Dilston College Of Further... 07/07/04

Dilston College Of Further... 24/02/04

Similar services:

22 Sandown Road

The Highlands

West View House

Prince Bishop Court

Park View (15)

Craigmore House

1 Lanark Close

Sixth Avenue, 53-55

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Dilston College Of Further Education Corbridge Hexham Northumberland NE45 5RJ Lead Inspector Bill Middlemist Key Unannounced Inspection 26th April 2007 09:30 Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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 Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Dilston College Of Further Education Address Corbridge Hexham Northumberland NE45 5RJ 01434-632692 01434 633721 marilyn.hunter@dilstoncollege.com www.mencap.org.uk Royal Mencap Society 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) Mr J A Jameson Care Home 52 Category(ies) of Learning disability (52) registration, with number of places Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 28th February 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Dilston College of Further Education is part of the Mencap organisation; it provides education and training combined with care and support for up to 52 students who have a learning disability. More students go to the college from the local community and are not residential. The college has large grounds with lots of open space; it is close to the Northumbrian towns of Corbridge and Hexham, where there are good local shops and things to do in the community, such as pubs, cinemas, gyms and job experience opportunities. The nearest city is Newcastle and can be easily reached by train or bus. The college is divided in to several units in the main building and there are others dotted around the site. There is a very lively and positive atmosphere at Dilston College. The college is referred to as a care home for registration purposes only. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. How the inspection was carried out Before the visit: We looked at: • Information we have received since the last visit on 28 February 2006, including the most recent report by Ofsted published in March 2007, • How the college dealt with any complaints & concerns since the last visit, • Any changes to how the college is run. The Visit: An unannounced visit was made on 26 April 2007 During the visit we: • • • • • Talked with students who use the college, staff, the managers & visitors, Looked at information about the students who go to the college & how well their needs are met, Looked at other records which must be kept, Checked that staff had the knowledge, skills & training to meet the needs of the students they care and support, Checked what improvements had been made since the last visit. We told the managers what we found. What the service does well: Assessment and planning before students go to the college is excellent. Each student has excellent plans to help them learn, develop and use skills, make choices and be as independent as possible. Each student is encouraged to lead a full life at the college and in the local community. One student simply said, “I love it”. Each student is encouraged to be healthy. Students have a real voice in the way the college is run. A student said, “I am on the student council – we tell the staff about what is important” The staff and management are excellent at their jobs and are always looking at ways to improve each student’s experience. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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 Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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, 4 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Prospective students individual aspirations and needs are assessed, so that the staff can plan what they need to do to help students get the best out of college life. EVIDENCE: Assessments about care, support, education and health are gathered before any student starts at the college. Sometimes other assessments are needed such as speech and language therapy or psychology. Each prospective student is offered a week at the college, so that staff can better understand the best ways to offer care, support and learning. Four students who are due to start at the college later this year said they were really looking forward to the week. All students have a contract that states what the college will do to support students in their development. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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, 9 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students have their assessed and changing needs recorded in their individual plans, so that care and support can be adapted to reflect developments. Students get the right level of support to make decisions about their lives, so they can become more independent. Students can take risks while developing their independence, so that learning is combined with being as safe as possible. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 EVIDENCE: I looked at three students plans covering each of the three years of life at the college. All three included individual plans for students to learn new and develop skills that are important to them. They say what needs to be learned and how students will be supported by staff. The plans are reviewed so that any developments or changes are recorded and the plan is further developed to support the student better. I saw that if a student is not doing as well as expected then they get extra support from staff. If a student is doing better than expected, then the plans change to help them learn more. Two students told me about their individual learning plans and how they are changed when “I don’t need any more training to get things right”, and “I’m getting a certificate in life skills”. Students are encouraged to make their own decisions and get the support they need if they find it difficult. Individual learning plans record how students best communicate and give clear guidelines to staff on how to support them make their decisions and choices. I observed several students who find it hard to put their needs and preferences in to words are getting extra support from staff. This is a noticeable improvement from previous visits to the college. One parent makes the comment that since starting at the college, her daughter is now making more “clear decisions”. Each student’s range of activities, whether it is learning or leisure, are supported by risk assessment and risk management plans to promote independence and increase self-esteem. There are good examples of learning where risk is identified and managed well, such as learning personal care tasks, cooking a meal, or travelling safely. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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, 17 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students are able to part in activities that suit them, so that they can experience as much of college life as they wish. Students are part of the local community, so they can develop as citizens. Students are supported to have a range of appropriate relationships, so they can continue to develop. Students are encouraged to enjoy their rights and take responsibility, so that they are better equipped for adult life. Students are offered a healthy and varied diet, so that good health and choices are promoted. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 EVIDENCE: I observed students involved in a range of activities. One student said that they were going to ride a bike for the first time at a local leisure centre. In the café, four students were involved in all aspects of running the business; one said that they are kept busy and that the work is interesting. A recent inspection report by Ofsted highlighted the many positive aspects of education in the college. Four students told me what they had learned since coming to the college. One said that they now know how to handle money better. Another said they are learning how to become more independent and do things for themselves. A third is looking forward to working in the laundry when it is ready. The fourth said they would like to work in an office and that they are getting lots of help to learn what they need to know. Students are encouraged to be part of the local community. They run a weekly luncheon club for older people in a local town. There is a regular farmer’s market staffed by students selling produce grown on site at the college. There are plans to open a laundry in Hexham where students can work. A car valeting service is up and running, staffed by students. Menus are developed with care to ensure that students get a good range and variety at mealtimes. Lunch is usually taken in the main refectory and evening meals in the individual units. There are clear and explicit instructions for all staff to meet any student’s specific cultural needs regarding food. I joined the students and staff at lunchtime; the food is served by students and is very tasty, there was an imaginative range of alternatives for people who don’t eat meat. I was also able to see that those students who require support and assistance get sensitive and discreet support. Several students said the food is great, and two also commented that they get to cook their own food. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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, 20 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students get the personal support they need, so that they are comfortable and their dignity is promoted. Students get the right support to have their physical health need met, so that they can be as healthy as possible. Students are supported to take their own medication, so that they can be independent as possible. Those students who require support with medication are supported by the college’s procedures, so they can maximise their health. EVIDENCE: Students at the college receive effective personal and healthcare support using a person centred approach. Student’s individual plans clearly record their personal and healthcare needs and detail how they will be delivered. Staff respond appropriately and sensitively in all situations involving personal care, ensuring that it is conducted in privacy. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Students are encouraged to manage their own healthcare where possible. They have the opportunity to choose their own GP and have access to all NHS healthcare facilities in the local community. Support is offered to students who are less independent to access healthcare. Staff members are alert to changes in mood, behaviour and general wellbeing and fully understand how they should respond and take action. The college arranges training on health care topics that relate to the health care needs of the students. Staff are trained and competent in health care matters. The college has developed robust medication policy, procedure and practice guidance. The college promotes independence and those students are assessed as being able are encouraged and supported to manage their own medication. Medication records are seen as key to the efficient management of health care matters, the home consistently keeps them up to date. Care staff have the required training to safely deal with medication. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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): Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students views are listened to and acted on, so they can take an active part in college life. Students are protected from abuse and neglect, so they can develop a sense of safety and security. EVIDENCE: The college has a student’s council. The college has provided excellent evidence that students are protected from staff that are unsuitable to work with vulnerable people. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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, 30 Quality in this outcome area good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students live in a homely and clean environment, so life in the college is as comfortable as possible. EVIDENCE: The college’s residential accommodation is well looked after and each part is subject to high-level audit. Each unit is well used by a lively and active student population. There is an on-going programme of repairs and improvements to each unit. Safety and access for all students around the grounds has improved. A lift is being installed in the main building, to give access to all floors. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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, 35, 36 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students are supported by competent and qualified members of staff, so that the quality of care and support is promoted. Students are supported by the college’s recruitment and employment procedures, so that only people suitable to work are employed. Students benefit from a well-supervised workforce, so that the quality of what happens in the college is always being examined. EVIDENCE: One student became slightly distressed at lunchtime. I observed a member of staff handle the situation with sensitivity and diplomacy. Other members of staff observed were offering skilled assistance when helping students to communicate. All of the staff I spoke with displayed enthusiasm about their work and demonstrated how student centred the college is. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Recruitment procedures are robust, induction training is very good, and ongoing training far exceeds standards. Three staff files were examined; all of them included evidence that recruitment, induction and training are carried out to a very high level. Staff are well supervised. They get the support they need to do their jobs. The agenda for quality is firmly embedded in the supervision system. All of the students I spoke with thought the staff were either, “good” or “great”. Two students chose to sign with a thumbs up. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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): 37, 39, 41, 42 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students benefit from a well-run college. Students’ views are part of the college’s quality assurance systems, so that they get a voice in how things can change and improve. Students’ health, safety and welfare are promoted, so they can enjoy a college that is as safe as possible. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 EVIDENCE: The management team are dynamic in their approach to the college and communicate a clear sense of direction. They are able to demonstrate that they are highly competent in a range of areas. Management responsibilities are divided in to areas that are important to the students such as employment opportunities, healthcare, care planning, leisure opportunities and planning for life after the college. There is a strong commitment to quality assurance, gaining the views of students and other interested parties, and learning from any concerns or complaints that are raised. The manager ensures that staff follows the policies and procedures. Spot checks and quality monitoring systems provide management evidence that practice reflects the college’s policies and procedures. There is strong evidence that the ethos of the college is open and transparent. The views of both students and staff are listened to, and valued. There are clear strategic objectives for the college to develop what is already an excellent service. The college has very efficient systems to ensure effective safeguarding and management of students’ money including records keeping. The college has a full range of policies and procedures to promote and protect students’ health and safety. Staff consistently follows these. There is full and clearly written recording of all safety checks and there is no evidence of a failure to comply with other legislation. Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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 4 3 X 4 4 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 4 23 4 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 4 33 X 34 4 35 4 36 4 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 X 4 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 4 13 4 14 X 15 4 16 4 17 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 4 4 4 X 4 X 4 X 4 4 X Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? NO 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 Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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 Dilston College Of Further Education DS0000000599.V330152.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!