Inspection on 21/12/05 for Westgate College for Deaf People and the ROAD project

This inspection was carried out on 21st December 2005.

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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report. These are things the inspector asked to be changed, but found they had not done. The inspector also made 2 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Westgate College for Deaf People... 05/02/07

Westgate College for Deaf People... 04/05/05

Westgate College for Deaf People... 07/03/05

Westgate College for Deaf People... 07/12/04

Similar services:

89 Hastings Avenue

39 Westway

24-26 St John`s Road

David Gresham House

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College Royal School for Deaf Children, Westgate College Victoria Road Margate Kent CT9 1NB Lead Inspector Patrick Gough Unannounced Inspection 21st December 2005 09:30 The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.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 The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.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. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College Royal School for Deaf Children, Westgate College Victoria Road Margate Kent CT9 1NB 01843 836300 Address 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) Royal School for Deaf Children/Westgate College for Vacant Care Home 80 Category(ies) of Sensory impairment (80) registration, with number of places The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. The registration to include Westcliffe House, St Gabriels, Thanet Lodge and Allen Wing 3 and 4. A Maximum of forty 16-17 year olds is permitted to reflect the change in the college population. 4th May 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Westgate College is registered to provide residential accommodation for up to 80 young people and adults aged 16-65 although current service users fall within the 16-25-age range. The accommodation and facilities for the service users is provided on three separate sites, with two of the buildings located in Westgate-on-sea and three in Margate on the site of the Royal School for Deaf Children Margate. Westcliff House, the main college site, which has commanding views over the channel, has seven residential areas as well as office areas for the administration team, senior managers, some teaching space and a medical/specialist room. St. Gabriels, the other premises in Westgate, provides accommodation for up to 20 students. All bedrooms are single occupancy. This building also provides education facilities, including an ICT suite and a kitchen designed for the teaching catering courses. Thanet Lodge, a detached two-storey building, has ten single occupancy bedrooms and like the other remaining premises, Allen Wing 3 and 4, is located on the school site in Margate. Allen Wing 3 is a detached building with accommodation for seven students and at the time of the inspection offered single sex accommodation. Allen Wing 4, situated alongside 3 is also detached and has can accommodate four students. Local shops, other facilities and public transport are accessible from all three sites. Westgate college is recognised as both a further education department of the Royal School for the Deaf Margate and a specialist national college providing educational facilities for people who are deaf. The young people, who are referred to as learners, have a wide range of support needs and all are deaf or have a hearing loss. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection, which was conducted in the morning and lasted three hours. The inspector was assisted by the deputy head of care, who was the designated senior member of staff on call. The inspector also spoke with the college principal, a team leader, the facilities manager and the domestic and catering manager. The majority of students had commenced their Christmas holiday and eight staff were supporting the seven students receiving respite care within Westcliff House. Five other students were accommodated in Thanet Lodge, a college residence on the school site. The inspection focussed on the requirements and recommendations made at the previous inspection and the progress the college had made. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The college has made significant progress in remedying shortfalls in some of its departments. The implementation of a restructuring process and redesignation of responsibilities and tasks has had a positive impact on the practice. This is noticeable in the human resources office and the building maintenance department, where considerable work has been done to improve the quality and professional development of staffing and the prompt and efficient response to maintenance requirements, respectively. The recruitment procedures are now to be applied more stringently and the policy is shortly to be revamped. All staff will soon be incorporated in the appraisal system, improving staff development opportunities and encouraging The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 better performance. The staff recognise the importance now attached to the quality of the students’ living environment through the response from the maintenance department to repairs on the premises. This has been brought about through better management. There is also a more proactive approach to refurbishment. The college has improved fire safety systems and continues to look at ways of enhancing the practice. Working parties have been created to investigate how communication methods can be included in practice to ensure that all students can access information and access the curriculum and social education. 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. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.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 The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.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): 1 The statement of purpose remains relevant and the student handbook is informative, although it has not been produced in various communication formats and therefore is not accessible to all students, particularly those with special needs EVIDENCE: The deputy head of care stated that the College is arranging for the student ‘charter’ to be produced in video form, by deaf actors, using sign language as the means of communication. A working party, including residential care staff and learning support staff, is scheduled, in January 2006, to investigate the range of communication needs within the current student group in order to identify the appropriate means and level of communication required to enable the students and college personnel to inter-relate effectively. This core communication group will evaluate what is currently in place and what needs to be improved and further developed. Materials, including the student handbook, will be then be produced in various formats. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.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): 9 Whilst student’s care needs are adequately assessed, care risk assessments should be audited by the staff to ensure that they are in place and actions identified are being followed through. EVIDENCE: Whilst there was an assurance that, as was found on the previous visit, that students care needs are being addressed, the deputy head of care said that the completion of their risk assessments is not universal and still needs to be fully addressed. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 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): 17 The college produces a menu, which is separate from that of the school and which provides meals for the students that are more adequate in the range of content. EVIDENCE: The students, at the previous inspection, expressed concern that the college menus reflected those of the school and the inspectors were in agreement that the variety of the content did not fully meet the needs of young adults. It was confirmed that the student council, which meets on a six-weekly cycle and is representative of all the residences, has a brief to survey the students on the quality and range of food and to express their views. Menus are produced on a fortnightly basis. There is a ‘cold bar’ with a selection of salads and cheese and jacket potatoes as an alternative to the main meal. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 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 Good practice, relating to the administration and control of medicines, exists within the College and the medical centre team provides the necessary training and advice to enable staff to adequately manage the medical care of the students. EVIDENCE: The medical centre staff have arranged for a number of the college staff to receive medication administration training from an accredited source. The staff who have not yet received the training are not allowed to administer medication. The medical centre monitors the expertise of the staff in their management of the storage and administration of medicines and give updates on various medical issues at staff meetings. The deputy head of care stated that there is always a member of staff on each shift competent in the management of specific medical needs. It was confirmed that tuition had been given to all staff providing respite cover for students with complex needs, over the holiday period. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 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 The College has promoted good safeguarding practices through its over arching protection policies and good staff/student relationships, enabling the students to express concerns and live in a safe environment. EVIDENCE: New policies on Child Protection and Adult Protection, which provide up-to-date guidance for the staff, are in place but need to be ratified by the Governing Body. All the staff, which were interviewed during the previous inspection, were able to confidently describe how they would respond to a disclosure and the process of referral. The students, accommodated during this inspection were unable to communicate their views on protection, however the level of staff support provided indicated that the protection and safety of the students was given a high priority. There has been no notification relating to adult protection since the last inspection. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 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): 24,26 The college has implemented an improved system, including an annual maintenance programme, to manage routine and emergency maintenance requests and staff confirm that the quality of the living environment is better. The bedroom accommodation and facilities, which were inadequate at the previous inspection, have been improved and now meet the require standard. EVIDENCE: The college has, through a restructuring process, created an improved system to manage maintenance issues within its premises. A facilities manager, who has overall responsibility for maintenance, catering, domestic provision, vehicle personnel, and ground maintenance, has delegated responsibility for the supervision of routine maintenance issues to the domestic and catering manager. A member of staff confirmed that maintenance requests are now dealt with more promptly and the domestic and catering manager stated that she prioritises maintenance requests on the basis of health and safety. It was confirmed that there is a refurbishment programme, which includes repainting and the replacement of carpets and curtains, scheduled on an annual timescale. Furniture is replaced if it cannot be repaired. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 The deputy head of care stated that the issues detailed in the previous report relating to students’ bedding, clothes storage facilities and bedroom accommodation have been addressed. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 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): 33,34,36 The college has created a staff ‘bank’ system through which it can access personnel to cover short-term vacancies thus ensuring that permanent staff are not over burdened and the students are adequately supported. The implementation of the recruitment procedures has improved and the process is due to be further enhanced so that students are looked after by staff that have been appropriately checked. There is a scheduled formal supervision system, which provides support to staff and the opportunity to discuss issues of practice. EVIDENCE: The staffing at the time of the inspection was considered to be adequate to meet the needs of the students accommodated. The deputy head of care stated that a new sick leave policy had been produced and senior staff had received training on the management of staff sickness. The college has a ‘bank staff’ facility comprising adults who have previously worked at the college and therefore have experience of working with deaf people and are familiar with routine practice. A new human resources manager has been appointed and recruitment practice has been improved. The recruitment policy is scheduled to be rewritten early in 2006 and revisions to the policy will need to be approved by the executive committee and the trustees. All line managers have received training on the The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 implementation of a new appraisal programme due to be introduced in January 2006 and are due to be given training on recruitment. The appraisal programme will, following its introduction, occur annually in July, at the end of the academic year, so that that set goals can be implemented and achieved over the academic year. The deputy head of care confirmed that she receives regular supervision and that supervision is provided to all other staff through a cascade system. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37,39,40,41,42 The senior member of staff responsible for the management of practice within the college has an up-to-date job description, which outlines current duties. Internal monitoring of the quality of care given to the students is undertaken, however the college has yet to establish a system of monitoring as required in accordance with Regulation 26 and therefore the monitoring process does not adequately measure the quality of the provision. The college has commenced a programme, whereby policies and procedures are being amended or re-written to provide up-to-date guidance for the managers and staff, and much progress has already been made. The college has improved its safe working practices and continues to enhance systems of working and recording to create a safer environment for the students and the staff. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 EVIDENCE: The post of the registered manager has been vacated since the previous inspection, when it was noted that there was no up-to-date job description in place. The deputy head of care confirmed that she had a current job description, received good support in carrying out her duties and felt confident that she could manage the tasks allocated and delegated to her. The deputy head of care confirmed that the head of residential services monitors the quality of care on a regular basis. The inspector was unable to view evidence of this at the time and will require that a summary report of such monitoring is supplied to the Commission at regular intervals. The provider has not yet commenced unannounced monthly visits to monitor and advise the management on the quality of the care provided for the students. The College has many of the policies and procedures in place, as required, however most are outdated and have not been reviewed or amended to incorporate new guidance or legislation. Some new policies written in accordance with the recommendation at the previous inspection are still in draft form awaiting ratification by the governing body. The deputy head of care stated that the college has formed a working party to identify and establish a recording system in order to standardise formats and styles of recording and improve consistency of practise. The working party, which is also representative of the whole staff team, intends to put in place a system, which is flexible and adaptable. Some improvements have been made to fire safety practice in that fire drills are conducted more frequently and emergency lighting and equipment checks are carried out on a regular timescale. Fire alarms are tested weekly. The domestic and catering manager confirmed that visual checks on equipment are routinely done but not recorded. The inspector was unable to check the validity of fire alarm and equipment servicing, as records are stored on the school site. Following consultation with each residence the health and safety officer has produced new risk assessment forms. Consultation has also occurred to identify appropriate times to conduct fire drills in order to minimise disruption to some students who have complex needs and react adversely. Training has been provided for team leaders on how to respond to the fire panel when activated and this information will be passed on to other staff. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 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 2 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 x INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 X 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 3 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 X STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 X 33 3 34 2 35 X 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc X X X 2 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 3 Score PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score X X 3 X 3 X 2 2 3 3 X Version 5.1 Page 20 The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College 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, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard YA34 Regulation 19 Requirement The College shall review and amend the recruitment policy to ensure that it is up to date and complies with latest guidance. The Responsible Individual shall conduct unannounced visits, on a monthly basis, in order to monitor the quality of the provision and provide a copy of the visit report to the Commission. Timescale for action 31/01/06 2. YA39 26 31/01/06 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 YA1 Good Practice Recommendations The student handbook to be presented in other forms e.g. widget or video, for students with special needs. The parent handbook should include the Commission details so that the parents can contact the Commission if necessary. Care risk assessments to be audited to ensure that they are in place and actions following identified risks are followed through. All policies and procedures relevant to the management of DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 2. 3. YA9 YA40 The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College 4. YA42 the provision and the implementation of practice within the College should be reviewed on a regular timescale and amended accordingly. Visual checks of fire safety equipment should be recorded to provide evidence that the checks have been conducted satisfactorily and that identified faults have been rectified. The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI The Royal School for Deaf Children - Westgate College DS0000034680.V260574.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 - 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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