Inspection on 04/08/05 for The Douglas Arter Centre

This inspection was carried out on 4th August 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is (sorry - unknown). 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

The Douglas Arter Centre 09/05/06

The Douglas Arter Centre 05/01/06

The Douglas Arter Centre 18/01/05

The Douglas Arter Centre 01/06/04

The Douglas Arter Centre 02/03/04

Similar services:

The Vicarage

7 Hyde Road

5 Seafield Road

Trevaylor Manor

12 Orchard Mews

Stallcombe House

Stepping Stones

Cornerstones

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

CHILDREN’S HOME York Villas 3-5 York Villas Normanton WF6 1HA Lead Inspector Cathy Howarth Unannounced 08 August 2005 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Children’s Homes. 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 Every Child Matters, outlined the government’s vision for children’s services and formed the basis of the Children Act 2004. It provides a framework for inspection so that children’s services should be judged on their contribution to the outcomes considered essential to wellbeing in childhood and later life. Those outcomes are: • Being healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and achieving • Making a contribution; and • Achieving economic wellbeing. In response, the Commission for Social Care Inspection has re-ordered the national minimum standards for children’s services under the five outcomes, for reporting purposes. A further section has been created under ‘Management’ to cover those issues that will potentially impact on all the outcomes above. Copies of Every Child Matters and The Children Act 2004 are available from The Stationary Office as above. This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service York Villas Address 3-5 York Villas Normanton WF6 1HA Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) 01924 302595 01924 302598 Wakefield MDC Mr Mark Nevill Childrens Home 8 Category(ies) of Children with Learning Disabilitles - 8 places registration, with number of places York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Conditions of this registration are listed on the registration certificate displayed at the service. Date of last inspection 14 December 2004 Brief Description of the Service: York Villas is a residential home for children with learning disabilities, some of whom may also have physical disabilities. The children who receive care at York Villas usually have disabilities at a profound level. It provides planned shared care with a child’s own family on a longer-term basis, where respite care cannot meet the child’s needs. The home also provides long term care for children who need a permanent placement and for whom a family based placement has either been assessed as inappropriate, or has not yet been identified. Staff from York Villas can also provide outreach support to those children and young people who are in receipt of the shared care service during the periods when they are at home. Up to eight children can be looked after on a planned residential basis at any one time. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was unannounced and took place during the school summer holidays between 10 am and 4.30 pm. As part of this inspection interactions between staff and young people were observed, staff were spoken to individually and as a group and key records were examined. One parent who was collecting their child also spoke with the inspector. The inspector would like to thank young people and staff for their welcome on the day. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The sensory room has been improved and is now a pleasant area for young people to use. The day to day management of medicines has improved. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 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. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Being Healthy Staying Safe Enjoying and Achieving Making a Positive Contribution Achieving Economic Wellbeing Management Scoring of Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 8 Being Healthy The intended outcomes for these Standards are: • • • Children enjoy healthy, nutritious meals that meet their dietary needs. They have opportunities to plan, shop for and prepare meals. (NMS 10) Children live in a healthy environment and their health needs are identified and services are provided to meet them, and their good health is promoted. (NMS 12) Children’s health needs are met and their welfare is safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures for administering medicines and providing treatment. (NMS 13) The Commission considers Standards 12 and 13 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 12 and 13 Young people’s health needs are taken seriously and addressed appropriately for the most part. Some improvements are needed in the health plan for one young person. EVIDENCE: Young people’s health needs are addressed through their placement plans and their case files. Where there are significant health needs, these are generally well documented. Some very clear protocols were in place for such things as the administration of diazepam and midazolam. However for one recent admission more work needs to be done in ensuring that clear information is available for staff caring for the young person. This young person apparently has severe allergic reactions to specific foods. However, whilst the foods are clearly identified and the staff take all steps to ensure they are avoided, there is no clear information about what is to be done should an allergic reaction take place. Medication, which staff thought was to treat such an occurrence was not written up with a protocol for staff to follow, as is the case for other such medicines in use within the home. This must be remedied without delay. Routine medications taken daily by young people are written up and controlled appropriately, which was an improvement since the last inspection. So, for the most part is PRN (as required) medication. However some instances were found where there was no stock control measure. These should be checked and all medicines must be written up appropriately. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 9 Staying Safe The intended outcomes for these Standards are: • • • • • • • • • Children’s privacy is respected and information is confidentially handled (NMS 9) Any complaint will be addressed without delay and the complainant is kept informed of progress (NMS 16) The welfare of children is promoted, children are protected from abuse, and an appropriate response is made to any allegation or suspicion of abuse (NMS 17) Children are protected from bullying (NMS 18) Children who are absent without authority are protected in accordance with written guidance and responded to positively on return (NMS 19) All significant events relating to the protection of children accommodated in the home are notified by the registered person of the home to the appropriate authorities (NMS 20) Children are assisted to develop socially acceptable behaviour through encouragement of acceptable behaviour and constructive staff response to inappropriate behaviour (NMS 22) Children live in homes that provide physical safety and security (NMS 26) There is careful selection and vetting of all staff and volunteers working with children in the home and there is monitoring of visitors to prevent children being exposed to potential abusers (NMS 27) The Commission considers Standards 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 26 and 27 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 9, 17, 18, 22 The safety and welfare of young people living at York Villas is actively promoted. EVIDENCE: The privacy of young people at York Villas is respected. Staff were observed offering assistance with personal care tasks in a discreet way and knocking on bedroom doors before entering. Bedroom doors are kept locked to prevent other young people from entering and damaging possessions. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 10 Staff receive a wide range of training which helps to raise awareness around issues involving safeguarding the welfare of children. One pool member of staff was able to give a good account of how staff monitor young people and are vigilant for any signs of harm or distress. Some of the young people who use the service have patterns of behaviour, which can present challenges, in terms of safety for themselves, other young people and staff. The young people who exhibit these behaviours have clear plans in place to help staff manage these challenges and to prevent harm to the young people themselves or others. It is to the credit of staff that there have been very few occasions where physical interventions have been necessary in recent times, none since April 2005. Sanctions are likewise rarely used, as most of the young people do not have sufficient comprehension to take on board the idea of a sanction. Bullying in a traditional sense does not appear to exist at York Villas. However it was noted that at certain points some individual young people might appear to target others. Where this is known, staff take appropriate steps to prevent this and it was found to be identified on risk assessments. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 11 Enjoying and Achieving The intended outcomes for these Standards are: • • • Children receive individual support when they need it (NMS 7) The education of children is actively promoted as valuable in itself and as part of their preparation for adulthood (NMS 14) Children are able to pursue their particular interests, develop confidence in their skills and are supported and encouraged by staff to engage in leisure activities (NMS 15) The Commission considers Standards 7 and 14 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 7, 14 15 Young people’s individual needs are well met and there is a positive commitment to working with education partners in the best interests of the children. Staff offer suitable leisure activities to young people. EVIDENCE: During this visit, the inspector found evidence of plenty of work being done with young people living at York Villas to promote their individuality and to ensure that their specific needs can be met by the service. For example one young person has recently had a detailed occupational therapy assessment to help address their future needs for equipment and aids in the living environment. Other young people have specific needs for communication or health needs, which are addressed through the placement plan. The home is committed to making education work for the young people. Staff explained that they visit schools and work alongside teachers to ensure continuity of approaches with the young people. It is helpful that all the young people except one attend the same school and from September that young person will be joining the school. The manager informed the inspector that it is planned to have regular meetings with education staff in the new school year to build on these links. Young people’s individual interests are identified on the placement plan. The inspector observed staff using their knowledge of individuals to try and engage then in activities, particularly where a young person appeared to be upset. It York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 was also positive to note that for the summer holidays staff had planned activities and outings on the rotas to ensure there were enough staff to make the trips a success. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 13 Making a Positive Contribution The intended outcomes for these Standards are: • Children have their needs assessed effectively and comprehensively, and written placement plans outline how these needs will be met and are implemented. Children in the home are appropriately placed there (NMS 2) Children’s needs and development are reviewed regularly in the light of their care and progress at the home (NMS 3) Children are able to maintain constructive contact with their families, friends and other people who play a significant role in their lives (NMS 4) Children are able to move into and leave the home in a planned and sensitive manner (NMS 5) Children are encouraged and supported to make decisions about their lives and to influence the way the home is run. No child is assumed to be unable to communicate their views (NMS 8) Children enjoy sound relationships with staff based on honesty and mutual respect (NMS 21) • • • • • The Commission considers Standards 3, 4 and 8 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 2, 3, 5, 8, 21. The system for admission and discharge from the home is satisfactory. Needs are assessed and reviewed appropriately. Some staff training in using PECS would also be helpful. EVIDENCE: There was good evidence on files of the needs of young people being assessed before admission for one young person who was admitted in October 2004. A more recent admission had likewise a significant amount of information although there are still some areas to be clarified in relation to this young person’s needs (see section 1). These assessments form the basis for the placement plans, which indicate how the individual needs are to be met. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 14 Needs are reviewed regularly. All young people have statutory reviews and these are independently chaired. Key workers prepare reports for these. Those that were seen were of a good quality and very informative. Parents and carers are involved in these and have the opportunity to raise any issues of concern. One parent indicated that they are listened to when they raise issues. They also indicated that they value the service as it supports them to keep their child living at home for the majority of the time. Two young people have been admitted to the home within the last twelve months. Both have had their stays built up slowly from tea visits to overnight stays over a period of weeks to help them adjust to spending part of their weeks at York Villas. In the next year some young people will be moving out of the home and into adult services. Planning for this has started and includes assessments for future housing and support needs. Staff at York Villas will have a significant role to play in helping these moves to be successful. Communication with the young people living at York Villas is vital to ensuring that their needs are met and that they can have an influence over their lives. Whilst the inspector observed many very positive interactions between young people and staff, it would appear that there is scope for an improvement in using communication support methods such as Makaton and PECS with young people who already use these systems at school. Some staff have some skills in using Makaton but not all and PECS were not in use effectively during this visit. It is positive to note that two staff are being put forward go on a course to teach Makaton to the rest of the staff team. It would also be helpful for staff to receive training in using PECS. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 15 Achieving Economic Wellbeing The intended outcomes for these Standards are: • • • • • Children receive care which helps to prepare them for and support them into adulthood (NMS 6) Children are encouraged and enabled to choose their own clothes and personal requisites and have these needs fully met (NMS 11) Children live in well designed and pleasant homes providing sufficient space to meet their needs (NMS 23) Children enjoy homely accommodation, decorated, furnished and maintained to a high standard, providing adequate facilities for their use (NMS 24) Children’s privacy is respected when washing (NMS 25) JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 23 and 24 The home is bright and cheerful and provides good alternative living spaces for young people to pursue their own individual interests and preferences. EVIDENCE: York Villas is an adapted end terraced house, with accommodation over three levels. On the day of this visit, the building was found to be clean, tidy in good decorative order and well maintained. There is a high level of awareness of health and safety issues within the building and staff do make sure that any faults are reported and dealt with quickly. The main living area is small considering the number of people who may be in the building at any one time. Although the home is registered for eight young people, the numbers are kept to six overnight because of the acknowledgement that it is difficult to accommodate eight young people within the communal space available. Eight young people do use the service however, they do not all stay at the same time. The communal areas are bright and homely, with pictures done by young people decorating the walls. The conservatory and sensory room offer an alternative to young people who want to be away from others for a little while. The outdoor play area also provides an alternative with a swing, play house and other outdoor toys for young people to use. This area is also brightened York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 with murals and hanging decorations, which make it appear attractive and stimulating. The sensory room has been improved since the last inspection and is now more of a relaxation room in cool colours. Some workmen were in the process of adding more lighting at the time of this visit. There is also a small living area on the top landing which has a TV cabinet and sofa as yet another area where young people can play or relax. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 17 Management The intended outcomes for these Standards are: • Children and young people are guided through and know what services they can expect from the home, how they will be cared for and who they are likely to share with, and a clear statement on how the home operates is available for parents and others needing this information (NMS 1) Children are looked after by staff who are themselves supported and guided in safeguarding and promoting the children’s welfare (NMS 28) Children receive the care and services they need from competent staff (NMS 29) Staff are sufficient in number, experience and qualification to meet the needs of the children (NMS 30) Children are looked after by staff who are trained and competent to meet their needs (NMS 31) The person carrying on the home monitors the welfare of the children in the home (NMS 32) The care of children accommodated in the home is monitored and continually adapted in the light of information about how it is operating (NMS 33) Children enjoy the stability of efficiently run homes (NMS 34) Children’s needs, development and progress are recorded to reflect their individuality (NMS 35) Children living in secure units or refuges receive the same measures to safeguard and promote their welfare, as they should in other children’s homes (NMS 36) • • • • • • • • • The Commission considers Standards 29 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 29, 30 Staffing levels are good and staff have good levels of training to ensure they can meet the needs of young people. EVIDENCE: Staffing levels at York Villas are good generally. Rotas show that there are frequently four or five staff on shift for early shifts, including the manager and York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 three or four staff available on late shifts. This varies according to which day of the week it is because some days there are more children staying than others. Staff have good training opportunities, through Wakefield council and have access to a good range of courses via other outlets, for example a training plan has been agreed with health professionals to take all staff through health related tasks such as medication, and administration of rectal diazepam. Staff are also working through NVQ3 qualifications. At the point of this visit approximately 50 of staff have achieved this qualification. The target of 80 is anticipated to be reached by December 2005, as the manager has recently agreed to fund a 20hr post for an NVQ assessor to work with the staff team. There are systems in place now to monitor basic training and ensure that refreshers are done for staff in a timely way. York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Children’s Homes have been met and uses the following scale. 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 BEING HEALTHY Standard No 10 12 13 Score MAKING A POSITIVE x 2 1 STAYING SAFE Standard No 9 16 17 18 19 20 22 26 27 Score 3 x 3 3 x x 3 x x CONTRIBUTION Standard No Score 2 3 3 3 4 x 5 3 8 2 21 x ACHIEVING ECONOMIC WELLBEING Standard No 6 11 23 24 25 Score x x 3 3 x Score ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING MANAGEMENT Standard No 14 15 7 Score 3 3 3 Standard No 1 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 x 3 3 x x x x x x x York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 YES Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard 13 Regulation 21 Requirement All medications must be adequately stock controlled and all medicines for PRN use must have clear guidance availble for staff for use. Timescale for action 31 August 2005 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 12 8 Good Practice Recommendations There should be guidance for staff in one young persons placment plan about what must be done should an allergic reaction occur. Staff should receive training in the use of PECS York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Park View House Woodvale Office Park Woodvale Road Brighouse. HD6 4AB National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI York Villas v243097 j51j01_s34162_york villas_v243097_080805.doc Version 1.40 Page 22 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. 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