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Inspection on 15/10/08 for Queen Alexandra College

Also see our care home review for Queen Alexandra College for more information

This inspection was carried out on 15th October 2008.

CSCI found this care home to be providing an Good service.

The inspector found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 2 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

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

The college supports the students to live the lifestyle of their choice by involving them in every decision that is made with the care and support they received. The students have excellent facilities available to them such as education, activities, and accommodation that is secure, comfortable and safe. The staff at the college are friendly and helpful to ensure the students are given opportunities to learn new skills, new leisure activities and involve people who are important to the students, such as family and friends. Students are supported by staff they know and who are familiar with their needs.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Requirements made at the last inspection have been met. The college had identified areas were they needed to improve from the quality audit they had completed. This consisted of gathering information from the students, other healthcare professionals, and families. This enabled the college to present an action plan to work towards with time scale within which to achieve their aims.

What the care home could do better:

Recruitment practises must be robust; this means the college must complete all the necessary checks when they employ staff to work with students. This will ensure the students are not placed at risk of harm.

Inspecting for better lives Key inspection report Care homes for adults (18-65 years) Name: Address: Queen Alexandra 49 Court Oak Road Harborne Birmingham West Midlands B17 9TG     The quality rating for this care home is:   two star good service A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full assessment of the service. We call this a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Sue Scully     Date: 1 7 1 0 2 0 0 8 This is a report of an inspection where we looked at how well this care home is meeting the needs of people who use it. There is a summary of what we think this service does well, what they have improved on and, where it applies, what they need to do better. We use the national minimum standards to describe the outcomes that people should experience. National minimum standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. After the summary there is more detail about our findings. The following table explains what you will see under each outcome area. Outcome area (for example Choice of home) These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. the things that people have said are important to them: They reflect This box tells you the outcomes that we will always inspect against when we do a key inspection. This box tells you any additional outcomes that we may inspect against when we do a key inspection. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: This box tells you our opinion of what we have looked at in this outcome area. We will say whether it is excellent, good, adequate or poor. Evidence: This box describes the information we used to come to our judgement. Copies of the National Minimum Standards – Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or bought from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop 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 Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 2 of 31 Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report CSCI General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. www.csci.org.uk Internet address Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 3 of 31 Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: Queen Alexandra 49 Court Oak Road Harborne Birmingham West Midlands B17 9TG 01214285050 01214285048 enquiries@qac.ac.uk Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Type of registration: Number of places registered: Queen Alexandra College care home 40 Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 learning disability sensory impairment Additional conditions: Residents must be aged under 65 years Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Queen Alexandra College hostels are registered to provide accommodation and support for forty students and specialise in meeting the needs of people with visual impairment and other disabilities. Students are supported to develop essential skills in order to prepare for independent living and personal care is generally not provided. This inspection report is in relation to the registered residential accommodation comprising of four fully equipped hostels, three on the college campus and one a short walking distance away on Lordswood Road, Harborne. The college has a number of other houses both on the campus and in the local community that are not registered but are providing supported living for students attending the college. The college is located in Harborne, Birmingham, is easily accessible by public transport and there are a variety of shops, restaurants, pubs, library and other facilities close by. There is ample off road parking on campus. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 4 of 31 Over 65 0 0 40 40 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 5 of 31 Summary This is an overview of what we found during the inspection. The quality rating for this care home is: Our judgement for each outcome: two star good service Choice of home Individual needs and choices Lifestyle Personal and healthcare support Concerns, complaints and protection Environment Staffing Conduct and management of the home peterchart Poor Adequate Good Excellent How we did our inspection: The focus of inspections undertaken by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is upon outcomes for the people who use the service and their views of the service provided, meaning they tell us if the provider is meeting their needs, if the provider is flexible and suits their life style, and if the provider enables them to maintain their independence, preferences and choice of how they want to be supported. This process considers the provider capacity to meet regulatory requirements, minimum standards of practice and focuses on aspects of service provisions that need further development This report includes the findings of two field work visits to Queen Alexandra College. The first visit was undertaken by two inspectors. The second visit consisted of speaking Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 6 of 31 with the students where one inspector attended. As part of the inspection process four students were case tracked. This involves establishing individuals experiences of the service provided or observing practices of individual staff and how they have been trained to deliver a service that promotes the students well being and choices. We also discuss the students care and look at care files focusing on outcomes for people. Case tracking can help us understand the experiences of people who use the service. In addition to this, information is looked at during the inspection such as polices and procedures, and the general operation of the college in relation to meeting the students needs. The college was also required to complete an annual quality assurance assessment (AQAA). The Commission sends this document to the provider before the inspection. The AQAA gives the provider the opportunity to tell us what they feel they are doing well and if and what the college could do better. The completion of the AQAA is a legal requirement that the provider must complete. The AQAA forwarded to us before the inspection was very comprehensive. This enables us to cross reference what the college had told us with the evidence gathered on the days of the inspection. What the care home does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 4. The report of this inspection is available from our website www.csci.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by telephoning our order line –0870 240 7535. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 8 of 31 Details of our 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) Outstanding statutory requirements Requirements and recommendations from this inspection Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 9 of 31 Choice of home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People are confident that the care home can support them. This is because there is an accurate assessment of their needs that they, or people close to them, have been involved in. This tells the home all about them, what they hope for and want to achieve, and the support they need. People can decide whether the care home can meet their support and accommodation needs. This is because they, and people close to them, can visit the home and get full, clear, accurate and up to date information. If they decide to stay in the home they know about their rights and responsibilities because there is an easy to understand contract or statement of terms and conditions between the person and the care home that includes how much they will pay and what the home provides for the money. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The information available to make a decision whether to use the service is detailed and informative. This means students know what to expect from the service. A full comprehensive needs assessment of the students is completed before admission to the college. This means students needs are known and can be met. Evidence: We looked at the information the college give to people about the service they provide. There was excellent information available that consisted of a statement of purpose and service users guide. These documents are comprehensive and consider the different styles of accommodation, support, treatment, philosophies and specialist services required to meet the needs of the students who use the service. The information is in a format suitable for their and their families needs using appropriate language, pictures and braille. The college arranges regular open days for families and professionals to visit the college and view the accommodation. Families are also offered individual visits with Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 10 of 31 Evidence: the students to meet the staff and an over night stay can be arranged. The accommodation consists of four houses where the students live during term time. The main aim of the college is to enable students to have as much independents as possible. The college achieves this by encouraging and working with students to be fully integrated into the community. The statement of purpose gives information about the facilities available, what the colleges aims and objectives are and how they will support the students in learning new skills that are used in every day life. The fees that are payable to attend the college are dependent on the students assessed needs. Students normally stay for a period of three years, gaining different skills to enable them to live independently within the community. We looked at the files of three students who had recently started at the college. The assessements contained details of the students needs in relation to their personal well being and what they wanted to achieve. For example, the college staff and the student draw up a list of the things they want to achieve, such as maintaining appropriate communication skills, using cooking facilities preparing meals, attending courses to gain qualifications and using and understanding finances. The assessments also covered medical conditions, medical history and self administering medication. The college staff and the students work with families and other health care professionals to ensure the students needs are met in a way they choose. This means the college is student focused and works with the students to develop their strengths. All identified needs are transferred into care plans and with regular reviews to ensure the students goals are being met. Significant time and effort is spent planning to make admission to the college personal and well managed. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 11 of 31 Individual needs and choices These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People’s needs and goals are met. The home has a plan of care that the person, or someone close to them, has been involved in making. People are able to make decisions about their life, including their finances, with support if they need it. This is because the staff promote their rights and choices. People are supported to take risks to enable them to stay independent. This is because the staff have appropriate information on which to base decisions. People are asked about, and are involved in, all aspects of life in the home. This is because the manager and staff offer them opportunities to participate in the day to day running of the home and enable them to influence key decisions. People are confident that the home handles information about them appropriately. This is because the home has clear policies and procedures that staff follow. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The students are treated with respect and dignity and the standard of care provided is good. Care plans and risk assessments provide staff with clear guidance about how they should be supported. This means students are protected and supported in a way way they choose. Evidence: We looked at three care plans. Care plans are documents that provide information to the staff team on how the student wishes to be supported. They tell the staff about their life history, their aims and goals and what the student wish to achieve. Care plans are about what the student told the staff at the assessment stage. This means the staff know how to support them and meet their needs. The three care plans we looked at contained details about the targets the college staff and the student were working towards. For example, in one file the student wanted to Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 12 of 31 Evidence: be responsible for self ordering and administering medication, following a budget plan dealing with finances, looking for local jobs, accommodation and social groups in the areas. The targets had been set by the student at the initial assessment, once these targets had been reached new targets were then set. Comprehensive risk assessments had been completed that gave details of the risks involved and how these would be managed, which means the service has a can do attitude and risks are managed positively to help people using the service lead the life they want. Another care plan showed us the student had made tremendous progress since starting at the college and was now at a stage where they were considering living in a community house before leaving college at the end of the year. Care plans gave details about the students likes, dislikes, the support required with personal care and how staff would maintain dignity and respect. For example when a student required assistance with personal care there were details in the care plan of how this would be done, who would be involved, where this would take place and particulars of what the student could do for themselves. The care plans are person centred and focus on the individuals strengths and personal preferences. The staff team use constant communication as a focus to deliver personal care and support to students. Each care plan we looked at was very different and gave details about the person individuality, personality, preferences and choice. We spoke with students about the support they receive and what it was like living in the college. We also looked at questionnaires completed by the students. Comments include, I like the atmosphere in the house I live in and enjoy the activities I do. I am getting use to living away from home. I have made lots of new friends and feel I am becoming more responsible and independent. I feel safe and secure. Staff are brilliant. I have learnt how to do my own washing and staff are fantastic. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 13 of 31 Evidence: Staff treat me as an individual and respect what I say. Staff help me to try different things. I have learnt new skills to help me get a job in the future. It is brill living in the house as I have many new friends. I am eating healthier since I moved here. One question asked students if the action plans they had drawn up with staff were working the way they wanted them to. One student said yes because I would not have been successful in improving my mobility and household skills. The care plans can be easily used by people who are not familiar with the individual to deliver a personalised and consistent person centred service. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 14 of 31 Lifestyle These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: Each person is treated as an individual and the care home is responsive to his or her race, culture, religion, age, disability, gender and sexual orientation. They can take part in activities that are appropriate to their age and culture and are part of their local community. The care home supports people to follow personal interests and activities. People are able to keep in touch with family, friends and representatives and the home supports them to have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. People are as independent as they can be, lead their chosen lifestyle and have the opportunity to make the most of their abilities. Their dignity and rights are respected in their daily life. People have healthy, well-presented meals and snacks, at a time and place to suit them. People have opportunities to develop their social, emotional, communication and independent living skills. This is because the staff support their personal development. People choose and participate in suitable leisure activities. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The service has effective methods, which focus on involving students in all areas of their life, and actively promotes the rights of individuals to make informed choices providing links to specialist support when needed. This includes developing and maintaining family and personal relationships. Evidence: Each student has an individual care plan that focuses on daily living activities,personal goals, and targets they want to achieve. Each week the student has a meeting with their key worker to discuss their progress. We looked at the comments that had been included in the reviews by the student and the key worker. One review said the student had made a positive start to the academic year and was enjoying being part of access to music. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 15 of 31 Evidence: Comments from one student said, it is awesome I feel I am improving in leaps and bounds and my progress is going at the sound of speed. I enjoy working with the staff. Each house has regular meetings to discuss activities students would like to do as a group and individually. Students take part in swimming, sailing, trips, holidays, go kart racing, horse riding, rock climbing, skiing, canoeing, football, gym, bowling, as well as celebrating special events such as birthdays the students decide what activities they would like. One student said these are the good activities, the others are boring like food preparation and cooking. All students take part in every day living skills such as cooking, washing their own clothes, cleaning their house and respecting other students who live with them. One student said you can do loads of stuff. Religion is also supported and transport is arranged for students to attend church or mosques. The students themselves organise themed discos and karaoke evenings without staff assistance. Other students organise and lead cinema or bowling trips as part of their targets and self development. Computers are available in each house with internet access. During term time the students have had several projects to work on giving them experience of working with other students in college and learning about small business activities. The college has a free gym to which students have membership. There is a students centre where they provide a large TV, pool table and table games. The students are able to enjoy a full and stimulating lifestyle with a variety of options to choose from. Students are offered a choice of foods, often put in charge of writing the house shopping list and going to the shops to buy the food as part of the targets they wish to achieve. The college also has a canteen which offers a wide variety of meals that are healthy. Most students were very able and required no assistance to eat their food. however staff were available throughout the meals to provide any necessary support and assistance if required. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 16 of 31 Evidence: Three students we spoke with said how much they enjoyed the food. The meals provided are attractive nutritious and plentiful. One student said I have eaten healthier since coming to the college the food is great. Comments from the colleges questionnaires said, The food is nice we can choose what we want. We need more food. The food is very good. I enjoy cooking for my self. The food is great. There is a lot to choose from. Family and friends play a major part in the life of the students and communication with them means that all students maintain good social contact with friends and family. Some students go home at week ends and all students go home during half term. Students form relationships with other students, become friends and enjoy activities together. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 17 of 31 Personal and healthcare support These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People receive personal support from staff in the way they prefer and want. Their physical and emotional health needs are met because the home has procedures in place that staff follow. If people take medicine, they manage it themselves if they can. If they cannot manage their medicine, the care home supports them with it in a safe way. If people are approaching the end of their life, the care home will respect their choices and help them to feel comfortable and secure. They, and people close to them, are reassured that their death will be handled with sensitivity, dignity and respect, and take account of their spiritual and cultural wishes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Students individual needs and preferences are respected. Staff make sure that people get their medicine at the right time and in the correct amounts, to help them stay healthy and well. Evidence: Students care plans and health action plans gave details of other health care professionals that are involved in their care. These included speech therapists, counsellors, GP and the colleges own medical team to offer advice and contribute to the students individual care. Individual care plans are in place to guide staff in giving care and support to the students in ways they like. Direct observation of students provided evidence that they had been well supported with their personal care. They were appropriately dressed, taking account of their personality, needs, age, preferences, the weather and activities to be carried out. Observations of interactions between the students and staff showed that support was given with respect and in a warm and friendly manner. Students and staff appear to have a generally good rapport and are comfortable in each others company. Comments from students include. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 18 of 31 Evidence: The staff help me to stay well. I am healthier than I was. The emotional and personal help from staff is very good. I see the doctor if I am not well. All medical conditions, health related issues, and medical history is recorded in individual care plans with good information for staff to follow and details about the condition itself. This means the staff have the information to ensure the students health care needs are met. Records showed us the staff had received training in specific medical conditions such as epilepsy and receive support from the college nurse on a monthly basis. This means the staff are trained to support students with conditions that require specialist training. There are good links with the educational psychologist that ensures there are clear guidelines in place to support students who have any particular behaviour based needs. The staff group is balanced to enable choice of male, female and age related preferences when delivering personal care. This ensures students are given choice and preference if they wish, of who provides personal care if required. We looked at the medication records in two houses all medication that was held in each house was documented. There are protocols in place for PRN (as required medication), details of medication audits and risk assessment for the students who self administer their own Medication were in place. We randomly selected a medication record so we could complete an audit of the medication that was held in the house. In one students medication record we looked at paracetamol that had been prescribed for the student. We completed an audit and found four tablets could not be accounted for. The team leader said that there had been a mix up with the homely remedies that the house use, and four tablets had been taken out of the students pack by mistake, however this was not recorded. We completed five aduits on medication adminstraion records for diffrent students and these were found to be correct. Copies of prescriptions are kept to cross reference with the medication coming in to the house and regular meetings are held with the student who self administer their own medicationto ensure the students continues to do this safeley. Medication is stored in a locked medication cupbored which ensures medication is kept safe. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 19 of 31 Evidence: All staff have received training in the safe administering of medication. The team leader told us that all staff are supervised at regular intervals when administering medication, however this was not recorded. It was recommended that when staff are supervised completing this task this is recorded. This will ensure the team leader can reflect if they need up dated training and ensure safe working practices at all times. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 20 of 31 Concerns, complaints and protection These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: If people have concerns with their care, they or people close to them, know how to complain. Their concern is looked into and action taken to put things right. The care home safeguards people from abuse, neglect and self-harm and takes action to follow up any allegations. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Students and visitors can be confident that their concerns will be listened to. The college has appropriate policies and procedures in place and staff have undertaken appropriate training to safeguard the students. Evidence: The ethos of the college is that it welcomes complaints and suggestions about the service and uses these positively and learns from them. The college have imrpoved, the satifaction surveys issued to students it is now available in diffrent formats. The survey given to students looks at college life within the residential area, their rooms, dietary needs, Key workers, targets and learning needs. The students comments enable the college to plan improvements to the service and direct the house managers as to what information needs to be provided. We looked at the complaints records for the college and found all complaints made and the actions taken in response to them were recorded. A review of the number and nature of complaints made is used as part of the colleges quality assurance. This enables the college to improve the service further. Each student has the complaints procedure explained to them in a way that is suitable for their needs. Individuals and others associated with the college say that they are extremely satisfied with the service, feel safe and well supported. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 21 of 31 Evidence: Comments from students include, I know who to talk to if I have any complaints, staff will help me make a complaint if I want to. I would just talk to staff. We received 12 student surveys that the college had given to students which gave us different information about different things. All surveys received did not ask the question if they knew how to make a complaint. When we spoke with students however they were aware of who to inform if they had any concerns. We have not received any complaints, concerns or allegations about this service since the last inspection.. The college has policies in place for adult and child protection and whistle blowing. These enabled the management and staff to know what to do in the event of an allegation or suspicion of abuse. Training records showed us that staff have received training in the protection of vulnerable people. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 22 of 31 Environment These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People stay in a safe and well-maintained home that is homely, clean, comfortable, pleasant and hygienic. People stay in a home that has enough space and facilities for them to lead the life they choose and to meet their needs. The home makes sure they have the right specialist equipment that encourages and promotes their independence. Their room feels like their own, it is comfortable and they feel safe when they use it. People have enough privacy when using toilets and bathrooms. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The college offers the students comfortable and attractive surroundings, which are clean, safe and well maintained. Evidence: Students who stay at the college during term time have access to all the amenities in the college. The house they stay in offers them excellent accommodation. The houses are comfortable, well decorated and provide a safe environment for them to live. The decoration in the houses reflects the students taste and choices. They are involved in the selection and purchasing of household furniture and equipment. Students have access to other houses to meet with their friends and enjoy social events with each other. There is a wide selection of communal space both inside and outside of the houses. The laundry and kitchen areas are open and fully accessible to all students. Depending on the students assessed needs, aid and adaptations are available to ensure the student maintains maximum independence. These could include hoists, bath hoists, and wheel chairs. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 23 of 31 Evidence: The environment is fully able to meet the changing needs of people, along with their cultural and specialist care needs. The college is fully accessible throughout to people with physical disabilities, adaptations and specialist equipment are designed to fit within the homely environment. Each student has a single room, which they are able to lock. When we spoke with students and from the surveys they told us, I like living in Woodville with my friends. I have made lots of new friends. The house is great. I would like my bedroom pink. I like the atmosphere in my house. It is great living at the college staff are great and I love my room. When we walked around the college, we found very good facilities such as a canteen, a large number of pictures and art that the students had completed, and all the houses were clean and well decorated. The facilities at the college both the accommodation the students live in and the college itself were excellent. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 24 of 31 Staffing These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have safe and appropriate support as there are enough competent, qualified staff on duty at all times. They have confidence in the staff at the home because checks have been done to make sure that they are suitable. People’s needs are met and they are supported because staff get the right training, supervision and support they need from their managers. People are supported by an effective staff team who understand and do what is expected of them. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience adequate quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The service ensures that all staff within its organisation receives relevant training that is targeted and focused on improving outcomes for the students. The recruitment procedure needs to be more robust to fully ensure students are cared for safely. Evidence: The Manager provided a copy of the staff training plan showing that all staff have received training in health and safety, manual handling, first aid, food hygiene, fire safety, adult protection, infection control and managing challenging behaviour. Information provided in the Annual Quality Assurance Assessment shows that 80 of the current staff team hold qualifications at NVQ level 2 or above. Sampling of staff files showed that formal supervision takes place regularly. This means safe working practices are monitored and reviewed and students are cared for safely. New staff must pass the six month probationary period before being offered a permanent position. The college promotes an equal opportunities policy and aims to recruit the most suitable people providing a mix of cultures and backgrounds to support the mix of students who attend the college. This means students with diffrent cultural needs can be met. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 25 of 31 Evidence: The AQAA (Annual Quality Assurance Assessment) said the college has a robust interview procedure for the recruitment of new staff. When we looked at the recruitment records, we did not find this statement to be wholly accurate two staff that had commenced employment did not have the relevant checks on file to ensure students were protected from people who are unsuitable to work with vulnerable people. Neither staff had POVA or POCCA clearance (protection of vulnerable adults) and POCCA (protection of vulnerable children) neither staff had a current CRB, (criminal records bureau clearance). One file we sampled showed no references had been obtained. The manger was unaware of this as the recruitment side is dealt with by the colleges human resource department. During the visit the POVA and POCCA first checks were requested. We spoke with the manager and the college principal about our concerns. The principal and manager took immediate action and informed us that the two members of staff would not work on campus with students until the checks had been returned. It was agreed the manager would oversees the recruitment and until such time that he is satisfied that all the relevant checks have been completed the human resource department do not allow staff to commence their duties. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 26 of 31 Conduct and management of the home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have confidence in the care home because it is run and managed appropriately. People’s opinions are central to how the home develops and reviews their practice, as the home has appropriate ways of making sure they continue to get things right. The environment is safe for people and staff because health and safety practices are carried out. People get the right support from the care home because the manager runs it appropriately, with an open approach that makes them feel valued and respected. They are safeguarded because the home follows clear financial and accounting procedures, keeps records appropriately and makes sure staff understand the way things should be done. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. There is an open and transparent atmosphere within the college where students and staff provided feedback on the service to ensure that the college is run in the best interests of the students. Regular checks with health and safety issues ensure students are provided with a safe place to live. Evidence: The registered manager is very experienced who, with the staff has developed an open and positive approach creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere within the college. The manager is very student focused and leads the staff team to ensure students are protected and treated as individuals. He is highly competent to run the residential service and meets its stated aims and objectives. Records are generally well maintained so that important information is at hand and easy to find. Personal files are appropriately stored and kept secure. Safety records were checked and these were up to date. The fire alarm and emergency lighting systems, and the fire-fighting equipment, had been serviced. Tests have been carried Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 27 of 31 Evidence: out on these regularly and written records maintained. There was current liability insurance in place. Quality monitoring systems include an annual service review and regular monthly meetings with the students to see if they feel they are getting a good service, this covers areas such as food, daily living and the premises. A development plan is available following the review. Prior to this inspection the college sent us the Annual Quality Assurance Assessment which had been completed in depth. The AQAA contained excellent information that is fully supported by appropriate evidence and some information from the AQAA has been used in the report. The college has policies and procedures, which the organisation effectively reviews and updates, in line with current thinking and practice. The staff team are positive in their approach to translate policy into practice. For example students do not self-medicate until the outcome of a risk assessment is known. Efficient systems are in place to monitor staff adherence to policies and procedures during their supervision. Staff meetings are held at the beginning and end of each college term. The staff team discuss improvements that are required and changes affecting the staff and students progress. The manager and staff are to be commended on the progress, and commitment to providing a relaxed and transparent approach to the service that the college provides for the students. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 28 of 31 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 29 of 31 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection: Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 1 20 13 All medication must be accounted for when aduits are completed. This will ensure people have the medication they have been precribed. 01/12/2008 2 34 19 When recruiting staff the collgege must ensure all the relevent checks have been completed before they work with students. This will ensure the students are not placed at risk by employing staff who are unsuitable to work with vulnerable people. 03/12/2008 Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 30 of 31 Helpline: 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 We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. 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