Inspection on 28/06/05 for Dilston College Of Further Education

This inspection was carried out on 28th June 2005.

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 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... 26/04/07

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

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

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

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

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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 Unannounced 28 June 2005 10:00 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 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 Stationary 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 B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Dilston College of Further Education Address Corbridge Hexham Northumberland NE45 5RJ 01434 632 692 n/a marilyn.hunter@dilstoncollege.com Royal Mencap Society Telephone number Fax number Email 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 CRH 52 Category(ies) of LD Learning Disability (52) registration, with number of places Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 7/7/04 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. The college has large grounds with lots of open space; it is close to 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 lively and positive atmosphere at Dilston College. The college is referred to as a care home for registration purposes. Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection lasted six hours and is one of two inspections that the college will receive this year. Dilston College is really good at what it does; their statement claims that it prepares students for “for the next stage in life by providing high quality learning experiences”. Findings from this and other inspections fully support this claim. The focus of this inspection was to find out from students what it is like to live and study there; what care and support planning is in place to help students get the best out of their stay at the college; to examine matters concerning Health and Safety, how staff are employed, and what the college does to protect students. During this inspection the views of 18 students were listened to and many more were observed in a variety of activities around the college site; 11 members of staff were consulted, 3 visitors comments were heard, and 3 new members of staff gave the inspector an idea of what it was like to start work at the college. What the service does well: Dilston College has developed an excellent reputation for giving students a good start to their adult lives; all students were very positive about their experiences and used words such as ”great”, “fantastic” and “really good” to describe the college and its’ staff. The systems in place for planning care and support for students are comprehensive and include risk assessment and risk management plans to promote students learning and safety. The college offers a unique place for students to learn more about life and develop greater confidence. Dilston College takes great care in taking on new staff; it gives them really good training so that they can do their best at their jobs. The more experienced staff display enthusiasm, knowledge and a high level of motivation Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 to carry out their duties and responsibilities. The impression that each student is highly valued is very strong. The management of the college is professional, motivated and efficient. 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. Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 1, 2 & 4 Dilston College provides easy to understand information for students who want to come and study at the college. Information gathering and assessment systems are comprehensive.Trial periods exceed National Minimum Standards and ensure that student’s needs and ambitions are understood by staff before they arrive. EVIDENCE: The files for five students were inspected; pre-admission information, planning and assessment documents were extremely detailed. Trial periods of five days for each student ensure a greater understanding of individual needs and help the college work out whether students will really benefit from being at Dilston for three years of study. There were good baseline assessments and pen portraits. These are revised as staff get to know students better and as students become more used to being at Dilston. In the past, the college has spread trial periods for students over the academic year; this year there will be one week when 35 prospective students will undergo the trial period assessment in preparation for the September 2006 intake. The college will review this arrangement to see if suits students better. Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 6, 7, 9 Dilston College is very good at planning care and support for students. The plans promote personal development, individual choices and safety for each student. Each student’s unique personality is well considered and reflected in care plans. Any risks involved in learning and development are recorded and a plan is also devised to minimise risks. EVIDENCE: The college’s care plans are known as Individual Learning Plans; these promote learning, choice and independence for students by using a varied timetable of activities. The systems in place to review each plan ensure that each student’s learning is tracked to ensure that the right kind of support and care is provided. A good variety of people are involved in reviewing plans, including parents and advocates. There was very clear evidence that care plans are revised as a result of reviews. There are comprehensive risk assessment and risk management documents; these make sure that students are kept as safe as possible while they are learning new skills and are experiencing new situations. Several students said they were fully aware of care planning and how this fitted in to their time at the college. Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 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 standard(s) 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Dilston College is a great place for students to learn new skills and to develop their interests and plans for their future. Students are offered and take part in a wide range of interesting and well-organised activities covering education, leisure and work experience. Students are able to develop friendships at the college, support is provided where necessary. Students’ rights and responsibilities are really well promoted. Good systems are in place to ensure that students receive a healthy diet. The college is commended in the majority of these standards. EVIDENCE: Several students described their work experience in the local community; these included working as care assistants, stable grooms, shop workers, Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 catering assistants, animal carers and conservation. Three students described their plans for when they leave the college this summer. These included living independently, continuing their education and getting a job. One student said she couldn’t believe how far she had come since starting the college. Two visitors described how their sister had developed a great deal of confidence in a short space of time. Individual plans include evidence for the outcomes achieved by students on a year-by-year basis; each of the five plans inspected clearly charted the positive progress made by students while at Dilston College. The inspector has followed some other students’ progress over two to three years, and there was really good evidence that each one has developed in a positive way, have learned new skills and become more confident. Most students were still talking about the previous weekend’s events when the students and staff from two other Mencap colleges had arrived and spent the weekend together; this was nicknamed “Dilstonbury” after the Glastonbury festival. This is only one example of many different activities that students are offered and can take part in. There is ample photographic evidence of students’ activities on display throughout the areas of the main building, covering leisure and learning activities. Most students take their main meal of the day in the main dining hall; there was a good choice available, including vegetarian options. Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 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 standard(s) 18,19 All matters relating to ensuring students health and wellbeing are properly identified; potential complications are planned for, and staff training has raised awareness of a variety of conditions that might affect the student population. EVIDENCE: The member of staff responsible for overseeing the health of students displayed a clear knowledge of individual needs and the local resources available to meet those needs. Staff training has been carried out to raise awareness of conditions such as epilepsy, foot care and diabetes. Staff are made aware of any students who have allergies. Six students confirmed that staff have helped in them in a way that suited them; four said that they had learned how to do things for themselves and no longer needed staff to help them to do things such as washing hair, cooking meals and taking medicines. Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 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 standard(s) 22, 23 All students are encouraged to speak up and have their views heard. Complaints are taken seriously and dealt with efficiently. Staff are knowledgeable about protecting students and keeping them safe. EVIDENCE: Dilston College makes sure that students’ opinions and suggestions are heard at all levels within the organisation: there are formal and informal systems in place, through individual support sessions through to a group of elected students representatives. Eleven students knew who to go to if they were not happy about something or someone in the college. Matters concerning being aware of and looking for signs of abuse are an essential part of staff training on day one for new staff, and training in this subject is ongoing throughout the training plans for all staff. Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 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 standard(s) 24, 30 Dilston College provides a suitable place where students can learn. EVIDENCE: A full inspection of each unit was not carried out. Documentary evidence was seen relating to the upkeep of each unit; students are involved in inspecting their rooms, staff are instructed on what to look out for to keep all areas of the college safe, and have specific areas of responsibility regarding Health and Safety. A full check is made on each unit on a regular basis; repairs are carried out efficiently and regularly. Some areas are accessible for wheelchairs. All of the parts of the college seen during this inspection were clean. Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 15 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 33, 34, 35 Staff at the college are well motivated and trained to do their jobs and work towards best outcomes for students. Employment procedures are clear and systematic, and promote protection for students. Staffing levels ensure that students assessed care and support needs are met. EVIDENCE: Very good relationships between students and staff were observed throughout this inspection; students appeared relaxed and confident in approaching and talking to staff; staff were respectful and professional in their dealings with students. The recruitment records for five new staff were inspected; interviews were well recorded and all appropriate checks to promote the protection of students had been carried out in line with the college’s recruitment procedure. 3 new members of staff were taking part in the college’s Induction programme – each confirmed that the training was valuable and was giving them the basis on which to do their jobs to a high standard. The college’s Induction and ongoing training programmes has been commended in recent inspections; training days for staff exceed National Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 Minimum Standards and cover a wide range of subjects necessary for working with people who have learning disabilities. Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 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 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) ;37,38, 41, 42 Dilston College is extremely well run. The college management team provide clear leadership, are forward thinking and are highly professional. The Health and Safety of students and staff are taken very seriously and is managed in a very efficient manner. The systems for promoting and maintaining quality are robust. EVIDENCE: All of the systems and documents relating to the running of the college that were inspected were well kept. There was good recording of matters relating to Health and Safety. Each unit within the college is subject to constant audit to ensure student and staff wellbeing and safety. Quality Assurance at Dilston College is well established and documented and includes the views of students; there are measurable outcomes and evidence that the management team are constantly seeking to maintain and improve the service it provides. Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 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 4 x 4 x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 4 4 x 4 x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 x x x x x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x 4 3 4 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Dilston College of Further Education Score 4 4 x x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 x x 3 3 x B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 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 Regulation Requirement There are no requirements arising from inspection 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. 1. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations There are no recommendations arising from this inspection Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Dilston College of Further Education B53-B03 S599 Dilston College V233573 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 - 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. 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