Inspection on 10/07/06 for Strode Park Foundation (Coach House)

This inspection was carried out on 10th July 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

Strode Park Foundation (Coach... 13/10/05

Strode Park Foundation (Coach... 21/04/05

Strode Park Foundation (Coach... 10/11/04

Strode Park Foundation (Coach... 28/06/04

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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 Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) Strode Park Herne Herne Bay Kent CT6 7NE Lead Inspector Christine Lawrence Unannounced Inspection 10 July 2006 10:00 Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.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 Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.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. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) Address Strode Park Herne Herne Bay Kent CT6 7NE 01227 373292 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) Strode Park Foundation for Disabled People Mrs Zoe Lee Care Home 8 Category(ies) of Learning disability (8), Physical disability (8) registration, with number of places Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 13 October 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Coach House has been specially adapted for its present use. The home is spacious and set in the grounds of Strode Park. There are eight single rooms with a call bell system and TV point. Accommodation is set over two floors with a shaft lift accessing the first floor. All rooms and communal areas are suitable for wheelchair users. There is ample parking with mature gardens and extensive grounds. The Coach House aims to promote independence and develop life skills to enable students to live more independent lives. The Coach House provides an environment for the promotion of life skills and creative leisure activities for the young students. This enhances their self-esteem and confidence to meet lifes challenges. When students develop their skills there is opportunity to move to more independent living within the grounds of Strode Park. There is also a day centre on site. The home is situated in village of Herne on a bus route. There are local pubs, shops and post office. The town of Herne Bay is about 2 miles away. Service users at the Coach House prefer to be known as students. The Coach House makes information about the home available to prospective residents on request. The current fees are £1001.15 per week. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspector undertook an unannounced site visit to the home. This took place during one day and lasted approximately six and a half hours. The manager had previously sent in a pre-inspection questionnaire with information about the home, staff and. Surveys were sent to the four students at the home at the time. All four completed surveys. Comment cards were sent to the care managers for all of the students and one of them provided comments about the home. Another has yet to visit the home so was unable to make comments at this time. During the site visit the inspector spoke to students and staff members and made observations of interactions between students and staff. The inspector also walked around the building and joined everyone for lunch. The inspector was able to observe a house meeting and also to have discussions with the organisations Facilities Manager and the home’s registered manager, Zoë Lee. Information from previous inspection reports was also used for this inspection. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Students should be asked if they would like a key for their bedroom, as this would confirm their sense of privacy. It would be useful to carry out an audit of what needs to be decorated and what furnishings need replacing to make sure that students have the most attractive environment they can. The organisation should continue to support staff to take national vocational qualifications and more people should have training in infection control. Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Prospective students aspirations and needs are assessed. EVIDENCE: The records of two newer students were viewed during this visit. They showed that detailed information is provided by the placing authority and the general practitioner prior to Coach House staff completing an Admission Checklist. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 and 9 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students can be confident that their needs and goals are assessed and monitored. They can also be sure that they are involved in decisions and they will be supported to take risks if necessary. EVIDENCE: Three care plans were viewed and the inspector also spoke with the students whose plans they were. The plans are based on the assessments undertaken prior to a student’s admission. Subsequent to a recommendation from the previous inspection, the manager is introducing ‘person centred planning’ to The Coach House. Not everyone is yet completed but the work undertaken so far is good. Students confirmed that they are fully involved in this process and the documents used are written as from the point of view of the individual and also allow for people to sign their agreement. A keyworker system is in place. Talking to students and reviewing the surveys that were completed, it is clear that they make decisions about their lives. Individuals are supported according to their wishes and needs. The inspector also spoke with the Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 advocate who although employed by Strode Park Foundation, has an independent role within the organisation and he confirmed that students are encouraged and enabled to make decisions. There are various risk assessments in place for individuals and these are regularly reviewed with the student. Students are supported to take risks as part of enabling as much independence as possible. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students take part in appropriate activities and see themselves as part of the local community. They are supported in their relationships and their rights are respected. Students are offered a healthy diet and sociable mealtimes. EVIDENCE: The ethos of The Coach House includes the provision of training sessions and opportunities for building on existing skills or acquiring new ones. ASDAN courses are available as are work placements. Students can work in the café, which is in the grounds of Strode Park, or a café at Minster, a village a short distance away both of which are open to the public. There is also a small training kitchen for the students to use. The day service provision is next door to The Coach House and there are computers available to the students. The students spoken with said that they had plenty of opportunities for education, training and work experience. One care manager wrote that The Coach House ‘…work very hard to move people on after intensive daily living and social skills training…’. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 Local facilities are used such as churches, pubs, gyms, swimming pools and theatres. The theatre in the grounds of Strode Park is open to the public and students can and do attend performances there. The rota seen shows that staff are available for residents at weekends and evenings to enable activities to happen at those times. Students told the inspector that they can welcome their friends and family members to visit them when they wish. Students make choices and decisions about their daily routines and what they want to do with their lives. The ‘person centred planning’ has sections inviting an individual to say what they would like to do, what are their aspirations, hopes and dreams. Privacy is respected. One student said that staff always knock before entering their room. Staff spoken to also confirmed that this was important. In the surveys which four residents completed, three of them identified that they do not have a key for their bedroom door. This was also raised at the last inspection although it may be different residents in the home now. Housekeeping tasks are shared between the students and they are clear about their responsibilities. Students can choose to be alone in their rooms if they wish. All of the students spoken with indicated that they feel that staff treat them with respect and the completed surveys all answered ‘yes’ to the questions “Do staff treat you well?” and “Do staff listen to you?”. The inspector joined the students for lunch. This is a lively and busy time on weekdays as people who are attending the day unit join in. Choices are made prior to the meal and students can have a hot meal, sandwiches or a salad. The food was tasty. Staff join students at mealtimes. Breakfasts and suppers are prepared by the students with support as necessary, as this is all part of the life skills training. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.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): 18, 19 and 20 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students receive personal support in the way they prefer and their health needs are identified. Students are protected by the home’s policies and procedures regarding medication. EVIDENCE: As noted in previous standards students are making choices about their lives all the time. There are male and female staff members. Students are encouraged to speak up for themselves, to be clear about how they want to be supported or assisted. The care plans contain sections relating to emotional and physical health and wellbeing. Students are registered with local GPs for the time they are living at The Coach House and the records show that healthcare needs are identified and responded to. Medication is appropriately stored and administered. Residents have individual secure storage in their own rooms. Six members of staff have received training regarding medications. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.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): 22 and 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students’ views are listened to and acted on. They are protected from abuse, neglect and selfharm. EVIDENCE: The organisation has a clear, appropriate complaints procedure. Students, either in conversation or via surveys, said they felt safe and they knew who to talk to if they had problems or concerns. The manager and other staff said that things are dealt with at an early stage so they do not really become complaints. There are regular meetings involving staff and students (the inspector was permitted to observe a meeting on the day of the visit) which is another way of sorting things out. Staff have received training and instruction regarding the protection of vulnerable adults and there are relevant policies and procedures such as adult protection and whistle blowing. Staff spoken with confirmed an awareness of their responsibilities. The organisation is aware of its responsibilities also, including the protection of vulnerable adults register. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.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): 24 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The décor could be improved in parts, giving students a more pleasant environment. Students enjoy a clean environment. EVIDENCE: The inspector toured most of the communal areas and some of the students’ accommodation. The home provides sufficient space for those living there. There is a small lounge that students can use if they do not want to be in the large dining/lounge area although this is temporarily being used as office space. The Coach House is situated in the grounds of a larger house and there are other buildings and facilities. There is a gateway to the side of The Coach House which is not locked. This entrance is on the edge of the property and faces a roadway. The inspector was informed that having it unlocked forms part of the fire safety arrangements. As members of the public sometimes come into Strode Park grounds it might be advisable to secure the gate by The Coach House to ensure that people use the main entrance which would reduce the risk of possibly compromising the students’ safety and privacy. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 The Coach House is situated in a village and there are vehicles available to students for transport to various activities. There is also a regular bus service close by. The building and grounds are accessible to wheelchair users. Although generally the home is well maintained and furnished there are some areas which could do with decorating or improving. The home was clean at the time of the inspection and there were no offensive odours. The laundry facilities are satisfactory. There are in house policies regarding infection control, COSHH Regulations and disposal of clinical waste. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.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): 32, 33, 34 and 35 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students would benefit if more staff achieved NVQs. Recruitment procedures protect students. EVIDENCE: Those staff observed and spoken with during this inspection were approachable and interested in the students and what they were trying to achieve. Those spoken to clearly had an understanding of students’ needs. A number of staff are currently undertaking National Vocational Qualifications and the manager is aware of the new Common Induction Standards. In terms of induction training it is advised that the home monitor the following websites for up to date information regarding working with people with learning disabilities:- Valuing People, Skills for Care and Learning Disability Award Framework. The inspector was provided with information indicating what training staff have already undertaken. Some senior members of staff are now able to provide training in house having completed trainers’ courses. The rota shows that staffing levels are satisfactory. The organisation has recently reviewed and reduced staffing levels at night. This new way of working is being monitored for a period of time and the inspector would like to be informed of the outcome in due course. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 There is a human resources department within the organisation. Records are kept within the home and those seen show that the recruitment process includes references, criminal records bureau checks and the provision of written terms and conditions of employment. Equal opportunities monitoring forms part of the recruitment process. Staff are given copies of the General Social Care Council’s code. The records seen also gave evidence of the training that has been undertaken. One member of staff particularly praised the disability awareness training provided. Students spoken with said very positive things about the staff and how they are supported. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.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): 37, 39 and 42 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The Coach House is a well run home where the health safety and welfare of students is protected. They can also be confident that their views are taken into account. EVIDENCE: The manager is experienced and qualified. She has acquired her registered manager’s award and also undertakes training courses within the home. She is aware of the national minimum standards and the regulations that underpin them. She undertakes quality monitoring within the home, ensuring that students and others are consulted. Staff are provided with training in aspects of health and safety although according to the information provided only one person has attended a training course relating to infection control. There are appropriate policies and procedures in place regarding health and safety. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 The inspector spent time with the organisation’s Facilities Manager. Records of maintenance and service contracts were examined and found to be satisfactory. Cars and other vehicles are regularly serviced and have in house checks also. The fire safety checks were appropriately recorded. Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.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 X 2 3 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 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 2 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 2 33 3 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 2 17 X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score X X X X 3 X 3 X X 3 X Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.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 Refer to Standard YA16 Good Practice Recommendations All current students should be asked if the wish to have a key to their bedroom door. The admission procedure should include asking about this to ensure that any new student is offered a key. An audit should be undertaken to identify and prioritise areas which need decorating or refurbishing The programme of NVQ training should continue for staff currently enrolled and offered to new staff when available Staff should be given training/instruction regarding infection control 2 3 4 YA24 YA32 YA42 Strode Park Foundation (Coach House) DS0000023593.V294832.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Kent and Medway Area Office 11th Floor International House Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU 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. 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