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Inspection on 14/03/06 for National Star College

Also see our care home review for National Star College for more information

This inspection was carried out on 14th March 2006.

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

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

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

Programmes at the college are designed to give students the confidence and opportunity to make their own decisions. Students all said that they were `helped by their key workers`. The comment `I am able to make my own choices and mistakes` show how students understand and value the experience that the college gives them. Students see the college as `safe` and are confident that if they had any fears of suspicions of abuse that staff at the college would be there to help and support them and would be able to `get it resolved`. The college has good training for staff in protection and clear procedures for all to follow. Residential areas of the college are kept clean and odour free and training for staff and suitable equipment help to prevent the spread of infection. One of the college nurses has a lead role in this. The Leisure Activities Co-ordinator is proud of the programme of seven different leisure activities available seven days a week. This gives students a wide choice of planned activities as well as being able to choose something different for themselves or nothing.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Following the recommendation made at the last inspection the recruitment procedures have been tightened to be sure that all the checks and safeguards have been completed before taking on a new member of staff to work at the college.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 National Star College Ullenwood Manor Ullenwood Cheltenham Glos GL53 9QU Lead Inspector Mrs Caroline Jones Unannounced Inspection 14th March 2006 12:30 14/03/06 12:30 National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 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 National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 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. National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service National Star College Address Ullenwood Manor Ullenwood Cheltenham Glos GL53 9QU 01242 527631 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) National Star College Mrs Christine Harber Care Home 88 Category(ies) of Physical disability (88) registration, with number of places National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 14th November 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The National Star College is a College of Further Education, providing residential accommodation for students with physical disabilities or acquired brain injuries. The main campus is based at Ullenwood Manor, situated in beautiful grounds, above Cheltenham town centre, and approximately five miles from the city of Gloucester. The campus is made up of various education buildings, a large sports centre with swimming pool, administrative offices and accommodation areas; all are accessible to wheelchair users. A mobility maze has been constructed to assist students to learn to negotiate difficult surfaces. The residential provision at Ullenwood comprises a number of accommodation areas; each managed to suit differing service users’ needs. These are: Wilson Court, which is home to 45 students in single bedrooms on two floors, accessed by a shaft lift. The purpose-built unit has assisted toilets, bath and shower facilities. The students also have a large lounge with kitchen facilities on the first floor. Cotswold, which opened 6 years ago, has 12 en-suite single rooms for students who have a high level of need. This accommodation includes a new dining and living room, with a purpose built kitchen. Cotswold also has additional therapy rooms, a relaxation unit, and a large lounge/dining area. The Shortwood complex is made up of a Farmhouse, which houses 19 students in single and twin rooms. There is a kitchen and communal lounge area. A garden flat at the side of the house provides shared accommodation, plus cooking and bathroom facilities for two students. An extension has been added to the bungalow formerly known as Moose; this accommodation is now called Malvern and provides an additional 5 well equipped single en-suite rooms, as well as a new lounge/diner with kitchen facilities. The medical base for the campus is in the same building as Cotswold: it has a National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 dedicated sick room and consultation rooms. The college is currently fundraising to build replacement student accommodation for the Kennels building, which has now been demolished. Building work is already in progress to provide improved therapy rooms. Students have access to a variety of transport, including a coach, mini-buses and taxi. All are accessible to students who use wheelchairs. National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection, which took place during the afternoon and early evening. The inspection focused on the three key inspection standards not inspected at the announced inspection, following up recommendations made at the last inspection and meeting students to get their comments and views. On this occasion only one of the residential areas of the college ‘Shortwood’ was visited. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Following the recommendation made at the last inspection nighttime fire drills and practises have been planned for residential areas of the college. Such National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 practises should become a regular activity for the college; taking place soon after any significant number of new students start. Two laundry areas on the college campus do not have hand facilities washing, the college is asked to consider what could be done about this as a short-term measure pending extension and refurbishment plans, which would resolve this. 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. National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 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 National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): None of the above standards were inspected on this occasion N/a EVIDENCE: N/a National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7 Whilst at the National Star College students are able to make decisions about their own lives, receiving assistance and support from staff, as they need it. EVIDENCE: Students said that the college Personal Development Programme gave them opportunities and support to make decisions about their lives. Individual students valued the help and guidance from their key worker and personal tutor who help them to achieve personal targets. One student commented that they were ‘able to choose what clothes to wear’ others mentioned their freedom to choose times of getting up and going to bed, number of drinks to have when going out and being able to choose where to go. Students are aware of and understand the college risk assessment process that is used to assess whether students are safe and competent to go out alone. Students reported that they could choose whether to look after their own money or have it kept by the college in the safe. The college systems are sufficiently sensitive and flexible to tailor the level of support and limitation to the needs of individuals. For instance enabling a student to manage their own money, whilst including money management in their college programme, expecting key workers to discuss financial safety and National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 management regularly and be alert for signs of exploitation or unacceptable risk. The procedure for keeping students money by the college was found to be safe. Access to money is limited and there is a process of regular checks on amounts held. National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 14 Students have an extensive programme of evening leisure activities to choose from when at the National Star College. EVIDENCE: The programme of evening activities available for students was sampled. There were a wide range of choices on offer and the members of staff who were supporting the activities were enthusiastic and committed. Two of the groups had students supporting the group for others. Students have the freedom to choose these activities, other activities or none at all. National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): None of the above standards were inspected on this occasion N/a EVIDENCE: N/a National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 23 Students can be confident that they will be protected from abuse when at the National Star College, with prompt action taken in the event of any allegation or suspicion or abuse. EVIDENCE: Students spoken to stated that they felt ‘safe’ at the college and confident that if they reported any abuse that the college would work to get it stopped. The college staff have access to training about ‘Safeguarding Young People’ within their induction and foundation training and a leaflet that explains their role. Discussion with the Residential Services Manager confirmed that any allegations or suspicions of abuse are responded to and reported for investigation to the appropriate authorities. The Human Resources Manager and Residential Services Manager are aware of their responsibilities in respect of the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults registers. Students reported that instances of verbal or physical aggressions towards one another or staff are very rare and described appropriate de-escalation approaches used by staff to manage such events. National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 30 Students at the Star College are protected from the spread of infection by good levels of cleaning and procedures for handling soiled items and clinical waste. EVIDENCE: Areas of Shortwood visited were clean and free from offensive odours. Students said that the housekeeper kept Shortwood ‘very clean’ and it was ‘not smelly’ although it was suggested that another residential area of the college did ‘smell’. Staff are provided with advice on control and spread of infection from one of the college nurses who has lead responsibility in this area. Safe procedures are known by staff and followed for handling soiled laundry, disposal of clinical waste and dealing with spillages. The provision of protective clothing for laundry staff was attended to during the course of the inspection. The college has washing machines with specific programmes for disinfecting, although programmes were at 60° for 45 minutes rather than 65° for 10 minutes as described in Standard 30.7. Hand washing facilities are available in most areas where infected materials or clinical waste are being handled, although there is none in the laundry room at Shortwood or the main laundry. National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 34 Students are protected by the rigorous staff recruitment procedures of the National Star College. EVIDENCE: Following recommendation made at the last inspection a sample of three sets of records for recently recruited staff where examined. These records had evidence that all checks had been completed in advance of the person starting work. In particular gaps in employment histories had been clarified and checked, references pursued and rigorous attempts made to verify the reasons for leaving previous employment with children or vulnerable adults. National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 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 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 42 The safety at students at night will be enhanced when fire drills and evacuations have been undertaken. EVIDENCE: Following the recommendation from the last inspection that the college consider holding fire drills and evacuation exercises at night, it was reported that these have been planned. Such drills should then form part of the induction programme when most new students are admitted to the college. Students spoken to were able to correctly describe their actions in the event of the alarms sounding at night. The query about having bedroom doors not being fully closed at night should be raised with the Fire Safety Service. National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Standard No Score 1 X 2 X 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 X 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 X 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 X 33 X 34 3 35 X 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score X 3 X X X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 4 15 X 16 X 17 X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score X X X X X X X X X 3 X National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 No Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1 2 Refer to Standard 42 30 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that the college should routinely carry out night time fire drills with students. It is recommended that the college consider providing hand-washing facilities in laundry areas, perhaps by means of alcohol based hand wash dispensers. National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Gloucester Office Unit 1210 Lansdowne Court Gloucester Business Park Brockworth Gloucester, GL3 4AB 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 National Star College DS0000016642.V286650.R02.S.doc Version 5.1 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. 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. 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