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Inspection on 27/04/05 for Dorton College Of Further Education

Also see our care home review for Dorton College Of Further Education for more information

This inspection was carried out on 27th April 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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report but made no statutory requirements on the home.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

Communication between the college, staff and students is good, facilitated by appropriate technology and clear information which is accessible to students. There is a committed and enthusiastic staff team supported by approachable and well qualified management. The college provides a good environment to promote learning and provide recreation.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Information available for students has improved and a wider choice of food is available with improved communication between catering staff and students.

What the care home could do better:

More learning and support staff, including mature staff are needed in the learning support team. The majority of staff require training to an adequate level in first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, health and safety, infection control or moving and handling. Care planning and recording systems need some adjustment.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Dorton College Of Further Education Seal Drive Seal Sevenoaks Kent TN15 0AH Lead Inspector Ruth Burnham Unannounced 27 April 2005 09:30 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. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Dorton College Of Further Education Address Seal Drive Seal Sevenoaks Kent TN15 0AH 01732 592600 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) Royal London Society for the Blind Care Home 21 Category(ies) of Sensory Impairment (21) registration, with number of places Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Service users can be admitted from 16 years of age Date of last inspection 7 December 2004 Brief Description of the Service: Dorton College of Further Education is registered to accommodate up to 21 young adults who have a sensory impairment with additional care needs alongside students who do not fall within the remit of this report.Other educational services for younger children are also provided in separate buildings on the campus. The establishment is managed by the Royal London Society for the Blind. The College is situated in extensive grounds, close to the town centre of Sevenoaks. For the purpose of this report service users are referred to as students. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was carried out by one inspector who was at the college from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during which time 5 members of staff and 6 students were spoken to. The inspector was able to have lunch with a number of students. Feedback was given to the Principal of the college at the end of the inspection. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: More learning and support staff, including mature staff are needed in the learning support team. The majority of staff require training to an adequate level in first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, health and safety, infection control or moving and handling. Care planning and recording systems need some adjustment. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 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. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 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 Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 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 to 5 The college is to be commended for it’s admissions procedures and the wealth of support and accessible information which is provided to prospective students. EVIDENCE: A new statement of purpose and service user guide has been drawn up in line with the regulations and standards. Students confirmed that they had been provided with lots of information about the college prior to admission. They also confirmed that they were able to visit the college for a trial stay in the academic year before admission. Staff explained how admission procedures are tailored to the needs of the individual. Admissions follow 2 separate visits to the college both of which involve overnight stays providing opportunity to meet staff and other students and become familiar with the campus and college routines. An individual learning plan is formulated based on the colleges and placing authorities assessment and health care professionals assess therapeutic needs. Specialist services are offered based on specialist guidance and staff are provided with training specific to the identified needs of the student intake. Students are provided with a handbook and clear information about the terms and conditions of residence. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 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) 6-10 Consultation processes are good and students have a real say in decisions about their lives however care planning and recording systems do not promote consistency. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 EVIDENCE: Students spoken to were happy with the support which they receive and confirmed that they are able to make decisions and are consulted about al aspects of college life. Each student has an individual learning plan which sets out the goals to be achieved each term. The plan is set out for the student in a format suitable to the individual. The amount of work undertaken to ensure that the plan and other documentation is available in Braille and audio formats was impressive. Systems for recording care and support were tested through examination of plans, daily records and keyworker reports. The system lacks cohesion and does not work as a clear working document in support of the individual learning plan. Daily records do not reflect the plan and keyworkers reports , which contain excellent information about how to achieve goals, are not incorporated into the plan and daily records to ensure consistency throughout the staff team. Weekly unit meetings take place. Individual issues raised in this context are not always recorded within care records and not all documentation was up to date. The student union acts as a voice for issues that affect all of the students Students are supported to manage their own finances. Risk assessments are included within the individual learning plan to promote the health and safety of service users. The society has a policy in relation to confidentiality which ensures that students’ privacy is respected. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 11-17 The college provides a wide range of opportunities for students although inadequate staffing levels limit access to some activities. EVIDENCE: Life skill tutors develop opportunities for students to maintain and develop, social, emotional and independent living skills. The college provides access to a variety of therapies and the college hosts events which the local community are invited to attend. Current staffing levels do not allow for staff to support students who wish to attend local church groups and have restricted access to some community activities. Students have the opportunity to undertake a number of social and recreational activities. Students also attend a variety of work experience opportunities. Students confirmed that they have contact with family and friends and access to a phone, which they can use in private. Records seen did not contain information about family relationships. All students are provided with a key to their own bedroom and good interaction between students and life skills tutors. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 The inspector had lunch with a number of students; there was a variety of food to choose from including a hot option. Students spoken to praised the quality of meals provided. Breakfast is provided on the unit and lunch and dinner in the college cafeteria. Students have a choice of food and are involved in shopping for food. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 18-21 Excellent support is provided for students in relation to healthcare and physical needs however equal attention is not being given to the emotional needs of all students. EVIDENCE: Personal support takes account of individual preferences and is provided in private with same gender intimate care where possible and in line with students’ wishes. College routines are flexible and relevant. Guidance and support is provided in relation to personal hygiene where necessary. Individual choice of dress and appearance is respected and students have some choice about staff who work with them. Additional specialist support is provided. Students have designated key workers however records indicate that they tend to work in isolation from the rest of the staff team which leads to inconsistency. Care records lacked information about emotional needs. The college employs nurses, students are able to choose their GP. Students are assessed and supported to manage their own medication where possible. Life skills tutors support those students who require help with attending appointments. Medication is stored and administered in line with current guidelines. Staff have some training in bereavement and loss and counselling would be available should the need arise. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 22-23 The college takes adequate measures to protect students. The failure to follow complaints procedures could lead students to feel that they are not listened to. EVIDENCE: Records of incidents which were examined were inadequate in that, where students had been disadvantaged by incidents which had occurred, records were not being maintained in line with college policy in relation to complaints. The person-in-charge is currently reviewing all policies and procedures and confirmed that the Adult Protection Policy is being reviewed and will continue to reflect the Kent and Medway Policy for Adult Protection. All staff are checked via the criminal records bureau prior to appointment. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) No judgement is made at this time as none of these standards were inspected during this visit. EVIDENCE: Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31-36 Students benefit from the commitment and enthusiasm of staff however problems with recruitment and retention, and lack of statutory training are limiting students’ opportunities, affecting continuity of care and potentially placing students at risk. EVIDENCE: Students are supported by staff spoken to know and support the main aims and values of the home and understand and had access to policies and procedures. Job descriptions are provided. Staff develop good relationships with students. Staff are aware of their own limitations and know when to involve more specific expertise to meet student’s needs. Observation during the inspection and discussion with students indicate that staff respect students and are accessible to, approachable by and comfortable with them. Staff spoken to were enthusiastic and committed to promoting the welfare of students in all aspects of their lives and have the necessary skills such as knowledge of the disabilities and specific conditions of service users, to meet individual needs including communication and dealing with anticipated behaviours. They have an appreciation of and an ability to balance the individual need and common needs of the students although they had not been provided with the General Social Care Council code of conduct. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 The numbers and skills mix of staff on duty is not always adequate to ensure that uninterrupted work is carried on with individuals and agency staff are regularly making up shortfalls, volunteers are also being used to make up shift numbers. This adversely affects the ability of the college to ensure that ratios of staff to students is determined according to the needs of students. There have been problems with recruitment and retention during the academic year which has impinged upon the consistency of care provided to students although staff spoken to confirmed there are sound recruitment procedures in place which protect students through taking up 2 written references prior to appointment and any gaps in employment records explained at the interview; new staff are confirmed in place only after completion of a satisfactory police check; all staff receive statements of terms and conditions and are appointed subject to a 6 month probationary period. The College has a training and development plan and dedicated training budget, staff have structured induction training and foundation training however this does not include statutory training in basic food hygiene, moving and handling, infection control, health and safety, fire safety or first aid which could place students at risk. To protect students from discrimination all staff receive equal opportunities training including disability and racial issues and staff development training targets the specific needs of students, a number of staff are undertaking NVQ training. There are established arrangements for managers to breif staff and to receive direct feedback and staff who supervise are trained and supervised by senior staff. Staff have regular supervisiion meetings at least 6 times a year in addition to regular day to day contact and have an annual appraisal to review performance and agree development plans. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 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) 36-43 There is a good management team in place who have the best interests of service users at heart. However the safety of students is being compromised by the failure to ensure that staff are suitably qualified and competent to carry out a number of the tasks which they perform. EVIDENCE: A new manager has been appointed who has a professional nursing qualification which will benefit the students who year on year are being admitted with higher levels of dependency and disability. The commission looks forward to receiving an application to register this manager who expressed the intention to obtain a management qualification in the next year. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 There is still no cohesive quality assurance system relating specifically to the care standards which produces a report as required under Regulation 24 to enable the commission to make a judgement that the quality of support for students is continually improving. However a manager has now been appointed to ensure that monthly reports as required under Regulation 26 are provided to the commission. The new manager is reviewing all policies and procedures required in relation to care provided to ensure that staff receive appropriate guidance. Statutory training has not been kept up to date in basic food hygiene, moving and handling, infection control, health and safety, fire safety or first aid for the current staff team which compromises the safety of students. The security guard employed to patrol the ground at night ensures the safety of students from prowlers and appropriate insurance is arranged to cover the students, members of staff working in the college, the building and its contents. Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 3 3 3 3 3 Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 2 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 2 3 3 3 3 Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score x x x x x x x Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score 3 3 2 2 2 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Dorton College Of Further Education Score 3 2 3 3 Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 2 3 3 1 3 H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 yes 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 13 Regulation Requirement Timescale for action by 31 May 2005 2. 22 3. 33 4. 5. 3 35&42 12(3)&18( There should be sufficient staff 1)(b) to ensure that students are supported to access community facilities and activities such as places of worship 22 Complaints should be logged individually and procedures followed in line with the establishment policy and the regulations 18(1)(a) There should be sufficient (b)(c) numbers of staff (excluding volunteers who should be super numerary) on duty at all times to ensure uninterrupted work with individuals. 18(4) Staff should be provided with the General Social Care Councils code of conduct. 18(1) All staff including agency staff (b)&(c) should receive competence based training appropriate to the work they perform including statutory training in first aid, basic food hygeine, health and safety, infection control, moving and handling and fire safety. by 31 May 2005 by 31 May 2005 by 31 May 2005 Action plan by 31 May 2005 Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 22 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. 2. Refer to Standard 6 19 Good Practice Recommendations Care planning and recording systems shoud ensure continuity of care and support. Care planning should include emotional needs Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection The Oast, Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone Kent ME16 9NT 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 Dorton College Of Further Education H56-H06 S23864 Dorton College V222744 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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. 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