Inspection on 21/03/06 for Queen Alexandra College

This inspection was carried out on 21st 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.

Other inspections for this house

Queen Alexandra College 15/10/08

Queen Alexandra College 27/02/07

Queen Alexandra College 30/11/05

Queen Alexandra College 06/10/04

Queen Alexandra College 26/05/04

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Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 09/07/2008.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Queen Alexandra 49 Court Oak Road Harborne Birmingham West Midlands B17 9TG Lead Inspector Claudette Morgan Announced Inspection 21st March 2006 09:30 Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.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 Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.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. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Queen Alexandra Address 49 Court Oak Road Harborne Birmingham West Midlands B17 9TG 0121 428 5050 0121 428 5048 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) Queen Alexandra College Mr Michael Gray Care Home 40 Category(ies) of Learning disability (40), Sensory impairment registration, with number (40) of places Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Residents must be aged under 65 years Date of last inspection 30th November 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Queen Alexandra college is a facility that specialises in meeting the needs of people with visual impairment and associated learning and physical disabilities. The inspection report is in relation to the registered residential accommodation comprising of four homes, 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 or are unstaffed. The college is located in Harborne, Birmingham. Access to public transport is good and there are a variety of shops, restaurants, pubs, library and other facilities close by. The registered houses are as follows; Thornton House: This house is made up of two units namely Hambland and TSB, (named after Trustee Saving Bank following a donation). Each unit is self-contained and are situated on the college campus. TSB, had ten bedrooms, two communal lounges, kitchen and a laundry. There is also an assessment room for prospective students. Hambland House has nine bedrooms, a communal lounge, kitchen, staff office and sleep in room. Winfield House: It is situated away from the main college campus, on the Lordswood Road. It has twelve bedrooms, two lounges, separate laundry and kitchen with a dining area. Winfield is geared towards the more independent students. Students who live at this house learn a mobility route from the college to the house, which they will access independently. In the summer of 2000 Winfield House was extensively refurbished. On the ground floor there is an office, a large lounge, large kitchen, dining room, laundry, smokers lounge, toilet facilities and three bedrooms. On the first floor there are a further nine bedrooms, staff sleeping in room, bathrooms, shower rooms and toilets, and a small kitchenette. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 Woodville House Woodville House is situated within the college campus there are eight bedrooms and a separate self-contained flat to enable the opportunity for one student to live more independently. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection was announced and took place on 21st and 22nd March 2006 and lasted 13.5 hours. Information related to the inspection was also received on 27th March 2006. The inspector was able to interview the manager, staff and students. The interaction between staff and students was also observed. The inspector looked at records that also policies and procedures. A tour of all four hostels (homes) was also carried out. The staff and students co-operated fully with the inspection. This report must be read in conjunction with the inspection report of 30th November 2005. All standards not inspected in this inspection were met at the last inspection. What the service does well: Provides an enthusiastic staff team that are committed to meeting the needs of the students. The manager and staff encourage the students to recognise their full potential by setting them achievable targets. There are good relationships between the care staff and college tutors who share relevant information that enables the student’s progress. The students are able to participate in a variety of activities on the campus and within the community. The staff work closely with parents concerning the overall care and wellbeing of the students. The students are consulted about all aspects of their care and are encouraged to express their views about decisions that concern them. The independence of students is promoted and there were excellent examples of how the staff worked creatively with the use of photographs to illustrate the student’s ability to carry out certain tasks. All students undergo an initial assessment of their needs prior to being accepted at the college and residing in the registered hostels. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 Students are provided with clear guidelines about the expectations of behaviour within the hostels. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.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 Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.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): 1& 3 Students are provided with appropriate information to enable them to make informed choices about where they live and are cared for by staff that have the relevant skills and resources to do so. EVIDENCE: At the time of the inspection the service user guide and the statement of purpose had been revised to include all the relevant information. The statement of purpose clearly demonstrated the aims and objectives of the hostels and the policies and procedures in place. The service user guide and statement of purpose were available in brail, large print and audiotape. The students have various opportunities to seek clarification about the contents of the student guide. All students are assessed prior to admission to the hostels to ensure their needs will be met. The students with higher dependency needs are initially placed at Thornton house before moving to more independent accommodation. There was evidence that the staff had links with specialist services such as Birmingham Mental Services. The staff also have specific training and skills to work with various disabilities that include, learning disabilities, aspersers, autism and visual impairment. Discussions with staff and students confirmed that the staff had the relevant skills to care for the students placed in the hostels. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.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): 8,9 & 10 Students are able to express their views about where they live and are cared for by staff that ensure there are systems in place to maintain their safety and confidentiality. EVIDENCE: The students are actively encouraged to participate in making decisions about the running of the home. The inspector observed that students were able to approach staff regarding activities and menu planning. The records looked at confirmed that student meetings, at all the hostels, took place on a regular basis. The registered manager also attended some of the meeting that enabled students to give feedback about living at the hostels and raise issues with him. The managers and team leaders had worked hard to improve individual risk assessments for the students since the last inspection. The records looked at confirmed that risk assessments were in place for students and a consistent format was used across the homes. The risk assessments covered a variety of areas that included, mobility, activities, vulnerability and behaviour. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 There are clear policies in place for confidentiality and privacy that is known to the staff and students. The staff are clear about information that needs to be shared with the relevant agencies concerning adult / child protection. All records held on students are stored in a lockable cabinet. The staff treated the students with respect. There are safety mechanisms in place to ensure that all records kept on computers are secure. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.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): 11 Students receive support, guidance and encouragement to develop essential skills for independent living. EVIDENCE: The team leaders and staff work closely with the students to provide them with the necessary skills and encouragement to assist them to live independently. The college’s mission statement also promotes the aim of students to “ learn, live and work independently”. This was also confirmed by the records looked, direct observation and discussions with staff and students. The inspector was able to look at some excellent photographic examples on students undertaking independent living tasks such as cooking and purchasing tickets for an external event. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.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): 20 & 21 There are systems in place that ensure safe administration and storage of medication. Staff are appropriately trained to ensure accurate recording of medication administered. EVIDENCE: The college continues to have a medication policy for prescribed and nonprescribed medication. There has been improvement in the area of medication administration recording since the last inspection. All records looked at confirmed that the correct dosage of medication was administered and recorded appropriately. The managers and staff commented that the current system was more efficient. The staff have receive training in medication administration. All medication was kept in a lockable cabinet. There are appropriate policies and procedures in place that details the necessary action to take concerning the death of a student. The college would also work closely with families and medical professionals in the event of a student having a serious or terminal medical condition. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.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 There are systems in place to ensure the safety, protection and wellbeing of students. EVIDENCE: There are policies and procedures in place for child protection that concern staff students sixteen to seventeen years of age. The records looked at also confirmed that the college had links with the Area Child Protection Committee. The staff have received some training in child protection. There were had not been any concerns related to child protection within the last twelve months. The manager and staff were aware of the need to report child protection matters to the relevant agencies. There are also procedures in place for adult protection. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.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): 25,26,27,28 & 29 There are sufficient resources in place that enable students to enjoy private and shared spaces. EVIDENCE: All students have their own bedrooms that enabled them to enjoy private space. The students they were also able to personalise their bedrooms. The students interviewed informed the inspector that they were happy with their bedrooms. The students occupy their bedrooms during term time. The bedrooms looked at contained the appropriate furniture for storage, sleeping and seating. The furniture was of a good standard. Some students had their own stereos and televisions. All bedrooms were lockable and students were able to have their own keys. There are sufficient baths, showers and toilets in place for the number of students. The bathrooms were maintained to an adequate standard. The students are able to use the bathrooms in private. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 All hostels consisted of communal lounges, dining rooms and kitchens. There was sufficient space the hostels generally, although Woodville required some additional dining space. There are plans to aid a conservatory to Woodville but this has been postponed due to funding constraints that will be reviewed when the new college complex is completed. All the students had access to the facilities available on the college campus situated on twelve acres of land. There is a student centre where the students are able to socialise and play pool, computer games and listen to music. There was also access to the college gymnasium. Students were also able to participate in external activities like swimming, bowling and pursue personal hobbies. At the time of the inspection Woodville was the only hostel that had aids and adaptations that included a bath hoist and handrails. The statement of purpose sets out the limitations of aids and adaptations in the hostels. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31,33 & 36 Students are cared for by staff who themselves are supervised and supported to carry our their role effectively. EVIDENCE: The staff interviewed and observed demonstrated a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The staff were observed to be enthusiastic about their work and committed to students. There is a key work system in place where students have a designated worker who assist and encourage them achieve individual targets. All students had action plans. The students interviewed said they felt supported by the staff. The manager and staff were aware of the need to request the support of specialist services to meet specific needs of the students. At the time of the inspection there were sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of the students. The amount of staff on duty reflected the specific needs of the students and managers increased staffing levels if a student required one to one support. The staffing levels are regularly reviewed to ensure the changing needs of the students were met. The college benefits from a consistent staff team with a good retention record. There is also a low sickness level within the staff team. Any gaps in the staff team are cover by bank staff that are familiar with the hostels. At the time of the inspection none of the student in the home required personal care. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 The records looked at in all four hostels confirmed that staff received regular supervision that covered practice and training issues. Supervision records were generally kept in a lockable cabinet or a computer that is accessible manager. All supervisions were planned in advance and missed supervisions were rescheduled. It is anticipated that all records will be kept in lockable cabinets. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 38,39,40,41,42 & 43 There are effective management and monitoring systems in place that ensure the efficient running of the homes. EVIDENCE: There is a clear management structure at the home. The management team includes the registered manager, deputy managers and team leaders. Discussions with all members of the management team confirmed that they all had a clear focus and understanding of the aims and objectives of the hostels. The management team meet regularly for management meetings and individual supervision. The registered manager has a creative management style that works well with the management team, staff and students. The team leaders were also creative and motivational in their approach. The management team felt supported by the registered manager. The inspector was impressed by the management’s team desire to achieve excellence in the service they provided. The records looked at confirmed that there were systems in place that regularly obtained the views of the students. The students interviewed Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 informed the inspector that they felt listened to by staff and there was evidence that changes had been made to the hostels as a result of their contributions. The students had been informed about the inspection and were provided with the appropriate questionnaires. The manager and team leaders also liaised closely with parents. The manager was receptive to feedback from external agencies and professionals. The inspector observed that the manager and staff were committed to the ongoing development of the service. The managers and staff had worked hard to review and where required amend policies. The policies were relevant to the service and accessible to staff and students. This information was also provided in a range of formats that reflected the diverse needs of the students. There were several forums for students to express their views regarding their experience of living in the hostels. Student views are taken seriously and do influence policy development. There has been improvement in the quality of record keeping across the hostels that demonstrated a greater level of consistency. The records looked at confirmed that students were able to have access to relevant information held on them. All records are kept in a lockable cabinet. The records looked at confirmed that all statutory safety checks for fire equipment, gas and electricity testing had been carried out in the required timescales. The internal fire safety tests were undertaken within the required frequency. There were risk assessments in place for all registered hostels but the managers recognised that additional training was required in this area. There are sufficient finances in place to enable the service to fulfil its statement of purpose. There has also been increased internal monitoring in the form of regular audits of the hostels by the deputy manager identified, which has enabled any concerns to be addressed early. The registered provider also regularly monitors the hostels under regulation 26. There were current Public Employee Liability Insurance certificates displayed in all the hostels. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 3 2 X 3 3 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 3 26 3 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 x STAFFING Standard No Score 31 4 32 X 33 3 34 X 35 X 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score X x 4 3 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 4 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score X 3 3 3 X 4 3 3 3 3 3 Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 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 YA24 YA42 Good Practice Recommendations Communal areas in Woodville require extending to provide satisfactory space in the kitchen area Additional training and guidance should be obtained regarding risk assessments for the premises. Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Birmingham Office 1st Floor Ladywood House 45-46 Stephenson Street Birmingham B2 4UZ 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 Queen Alexandra DS0000016808.V284844.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 24 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. 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