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Inspection on 03/05/05 for Toynton College (Cluster Three)

Also see our care home review for Toynton College (Cluster Three) for more information

This inspection was carried out on 3rd May 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 made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

Linkage is an organisation that is well run and managed from the directors to the support workers. They have a lot of policies and procedures (rules) that are regularly reviewed and changed in order to promote students rights and best interests and to make sure that the staff know how to do their jobs properly. Students are at the heart of the organisation and their views/wishes are taken into account by the use of questionnaires, learner council meetings and by managers and staff that make sure they are involved. Linkage Community College provides an excellent service for young adults with a learning disability and other needs. The primary aim of the college is to enable the young people to develop as much independence as possible, whilst helping them to be more confident. They provide a wide range of educational college courses and training in life skills, they also provide training on the use of buses and road safety. Except for the main hall all of the houses are ordinary houses located in the local community. Most are on a bus route making all leisure facilities and shops easy to get to, some students go to work experience placements and pursue hobbies. Linkage do an excellent job of treating students as individuals and making sure they that are listened to and that they have a say in how they live there lives. There is a very active student/learner council and regular student meetings in the houses. Students are given enough information about linkage in order to make a choice about whether to go there or not, which is provided in ways that all students can understand. Students have a good assessment completed before coming to college and care plans are very detailed and clearly state what their goals and wants are, students are involved in putting these together and making changes when necessary. Contact with families is important at linkage and some students go home at half terms, summer holidays and Christmas and families can visit when students are not in class. The staff team is provided in enough numbers to meet the needs of students and they were observed to be kind and caring and promote students independence. Comments about the service include; "I am more than happy with the service Toynton provides and most of all my daughter is also happy living there."" My daughter has received excellent care and support since she started at Toynton. This has been outstanding since she has been in Donna`s Cottage and I cannot praise them too highly." "My son has not been at Toynton that long, but in that time all has been very well. He has been treated with great respect, kindness and understanding. All staff seem very supportive, in particular the care coordinator." Students comments included "I like it here, there is more room and more space." "There is more opportunities to cook."

What has improved since the last inspection?

This was the first inspection

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Toynton College (Cluster Three) Donnas Cottage, Toynton College Toynton All Saints Spilsby, Lincs PE23 5AE Lead Inspector Wilma Crawford Announced 03 May 2005 10:00 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 Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationary 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. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Toynton College (Cluster Three) Address 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) Donnas Cottage Toynton College Toynton All Saints Spilsby Lincs PE23 5AE 01754 892007 Linkage Community Trust Mykey Rockall Care Home 16 Category(ies) of LD Learning Disability (16) registration, with number of places Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1) The home is registered to provide personal care for service users of both sexes whose primary needs fall in the following categories:Learning Disabilities, not falling within any other category (LD) (16) 2) Linkage Cluster 3 may accommodate a maximum of 6 service users aged 16-17 years of age, conditional on there being no service users over the age of 25 years of age at the home. 3) The category LD applies to service users aged 16 and over. 4) The maximum number of service users to be accomodated is 16. 5) College students who are under 18 years of age and who are currently being supported by staff who are under the age of 21 years, on a 1:1 basis, will continue to be so until such times that the student no longer requires this, or the staff member reaches 21 years of age. All new staff working unsupervised with students will be over 21 years old. Date of last inspection N/A Brief Description of the Service: Cluster three consists of Donna’s cottage and Dunsford, which are community based, domestic type houses, which form part of the Linkage College, Toynton Campus residential provision. Donna’s Cottage is a detached property set over a minor road from the grounds of the main hall campus and students have just a short walk to access activities within the main hall. The property consists of three double and two single bedrooms. There is a bathroom on the upper floor consisting of a W.C. bath and washbasin. On the ground floor is a second bathroom consisting of a shower cubicle, W.C. and washbasin, this is an en suite facility. On the ground floor there is also a lounge, a utility room, kitchen and dining room. Dunsford is a detached property sited approximately two miles from the main campus and within easy walking distance of the town centre and local amenities of Spilsby. The students also have access to a good local transport system. The property consists of two double and four single bedrooms. There are two bathrooms on the first floor , the first consisting of a W.C. bath with shower over it and wash basin, the second has a shower cubicle, W.C. and washbasin. A third WC. With washbasin is situated on the ground floor. On the ground floor there is also a lounge, dining room, kitchen and utility provided. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. Tina Bettison and Wilma Crawford carried the announced inspection of Linkage community college accommodation over 5 days at the campus, in Grimsby and Lincoln. The main method of inspection used was called case tracking which involved selecting two students and tracking the care they receive through the checking of their records, discussion with them, the care staff and observation of care practices. A tour of the premises took place and staff files rota’s, medication records, staff lists and training records were also examined. Staff, managers, students and relatives were spoken to. Care practices and interactions were observed during the inspection. What the service does well: Linkage is an organisation that is well run and managed from the directors to the support workers. They have a lot of policies and procedures (rules) that are regularly reviewed and changed in order to promote students rights and best interests and to make sure that the staff know how to do their jobs properly. Students are at the heart of the organisation and their views/wishes are taken into account by the use of questionnaires, learner council meetings and by managers and staff that make sure they are involved. Linkage Community College provides an excellent service for young adults with a learning disability and other needs. The primary aim of the college is to enable the young people to develop as much independence as possible, whilst helping them to be more confident. They provide a wide range of educational college courses and training in life skills, they also provide training on the use of buses and road safety. Except for the main hall all of the houses are ordinary houses located in the local community. Most are on a bus route making all leisure facilities and shops easy to get to, some students go to work experience placements and pursue hobbies. Linkage do an excellent job of treating students as individuals and making sure they that are listened to and that they have a say in how they live there lives. There is a very active student/learner council and regular student meetings in the houses. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 6 Students are given enough information about linkage in order to make a choice about whether to go there or not, which is provided in ways that all students can understand. Students have a good assessment completed before coming to college and care plans are very detailed and clearly state what their goals and wants are, students are involved in putting these together and making changes when necessary. Contact with families is important at linkage and some students go home at half terms, summer holidays and Christmas and families can visit when students are not in class. The staff team is provided in enough numbers to meet the needs of students and they were observed to be kind and caring and promote students independence. Comments about the service include; ”I am more than happy with the service Toynton provides and most of all my daughter is also happy living there.”” My daughter has received excellent care and support since she started at Toynton. This has been outstanding since she has been in Donna’s Cottage and I cannot praise them too highly.” “My son has not been at Toynton that long, but in that time all has been very well. He has been treated with great respect, kindness and understanding. All staff seem very supportive, in particular the care coordinator.” Students comments included “I like it here, there is more room and more space.” “There is more opportunities to cook.” What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Linkage needs to provide much more training for their staff, especially in the areas of mandatory training, Protection of Vulnerable Adults, NVQ level 2 and Makaton, so that all of the students needs can be met. They need to continue to improve the houses that the students stay in because some of them are in need of redecoration and updating. They need to consider reducing the numbers of double bedrooms, so that students can have private space when they want it. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 7 Some of Linkages policies and procedures need to be changed to make sure that staff can understand how to do their job properly. Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The full report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 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 standard(s) 1,2,3 Students and their families are provided with enough information about the service to be provided for them, to be able to make an informed choice. Students needs and individual aspirations are thoroughly assessed ensuring that staff are given enough background information in which to develop detailed care plans and therefore meet the students needs. Each student has a contract (purchase schedule order) from the Learning and Skills Council thereby knowing what level of service they should be receiving. EVIDENCE: Donna’s Cottage and Dunsford had a statement of purpose and service users guide for individual accommodation provided, as is required. They gave clear information about the aims, philosophies and values of the college and the houses and what students and their families could expect from them. Both documents were made available in written text, with photographs of the houses and rooms in the service user guide. Makaton symbols and audio cassette are also available on request. Attached to the service user guide is a copy of the students’ schedule and purchase order, which details their contract as, provided by the learning and skills council. They fund students accessing the linkage college provision. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 10 The inspectors were able to examine all of these documents and students and relatives understood their purpose and had been given copies. Students were assessed for their placement at linkage by the Linkage Transition team. The team visit the student at home/school and students also attend college for a 5 day residential placement whereby the assessment is drawn up. The assessment also includes the student’s social worker from their home area, school, educational psychologist, medical professionals and the connexions service. Any potential restrictions/limitations are discussed and agreed at this time and any students whose needs the college can’t meet will be refused admission. The staff in Cluster 3 have a key role in supporting students at programme levels tone and two. Families spoken to confirmed this process and said that they were very impressed by the attention to detail of the team and that were very involved in the process and that they and their son/daughter had a chance to look around before making a decision as to whether the college was right for them. NMS 4.3 is not applicable in this care setting. The college employs a professional support team made up of qualified social workers, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, speech and language therapist, visual impairment specialist and a registered nurse. Students enter the college with a clearly laid out plan regarding the purpose, duration and requirements of the college programme. Students spoken to throughout the inspection confirmed that they knew why they were attending the college and what skills they were hoping to develop. Minority ethnic groups were catered for, the college staff could clearly explain student’s individual cultural or religious needs and these were promoted. Any specific needs were seen recorded on students care plans. The college also hold cultural week annually whereby students can choose to undertake an activity of their choice, which helps them to understand other cultures and/or religions. Examples of this included a visit that some students took to a Sikh temple. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 11 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 standard(s) 6,7,8,9,10 Students are involved in the preparation of their care plan and therefore know that their specific needs and goals are included. Students are empowered to make decisions and are consulted on in all aspects of college life. Measured risk taking is seen as an essential part of college life in order for students to try out new things and stretch themselves to meet their identified needs and goals. Student’s information is kept confidential both in terms of appropriate storage and staff practice. EVIDENCE: Care plans had been developed to cover all aspects of the students assessed needs. Staff were able to confirm that the care plans were kept under constant review and that they were formally reviewed every 3 months. Students spoken to confirmed that they are encouraged to participate in the development of their own care plan. Staff were able to explain that once students came into the college setting their needs and skills could quickly Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 12 change therefore it was important to continually update care plans. The care plans complemented the formal teaching that was going on in college and ensuring a 24-hour curriculum promoting students aspirations and setting goals. Risk assessments were in place for any areas that posed a risk to students and measures put in place to minimise the risks, i.e. personal safety, road safety and leisure activities. Students are encouraged to be involved in the development and review of risk assessments. A policy/procedure for missing students was available. All students had a key worker and were able to tell the inspector who this was and explain what their specific role was. All students were enabled to be as independent as possible this was confirmed by taking to staff, students and families, who stated that the colleges main aim was to “promote independence”. All students managed their own personal allowance with support. The inspectors observed students being offered many opportunities to participate in the day to day running of their own home, there is a very active learner council, supported by an advocacy worker, house meetings once a week and leisure meetings. Students were able to explain to the inspectors how they decided as a group what the menu would be for the week, how their rooms would be decorated, they are also included in staffs selection and some recently appointed staff confirmed that students were on the interview panel. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 13 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 standard(s) 11,12,13,14,15,16,17 Students at linkage community college are enabled to develop as much independence as possible, whilst building on their confidence and self-esteem. Staff focus on the individual and ensure that they are listened to and have a say in their daily lives. Students are offered a healthy diet and mealtimes are relaxed and unhurried. Attention is paid to student’s specific dietary and cultural needs. EVIDENCE: Student’s social, emotional, communication and independence skills are developed and maintained by the implementation of the 24 hour curriculum. Specialist intervention and support is offered by specialist staff. This was evidenced by the care plans and specialist assessments and treatment programmes implemented for some students. All students attend educational classes clearly defined in their educational plans and household activities are shared amongst the students in the houses, Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 14 students were able to clearly state what their educational timetable consisted of and what their household jobs were in the week of the inspection. Some students have secured work experience placements and all students participated in leisure activities in the community e.g. bowling, swimming, shopping and pursue their own hobbies. Students told the inspector that they attended drum lessons and horse riding. Planned trips were organised for evenings and weekends. Transport is provided by the college in the form of mini buses, people carriers and company cars, however the emphasis is on the use of public transport and independent travel. A number of students were taking driving lessons with the aim of eventually being able to drive their own car. Contact with families is encouraged and maintained, all students go home at half terms, summer and Christmas holidays, and some go home on the occasional weekend. Families are welcomed to visit at times other than when students are in class and without exception all families spoken to said that staff kept them well informed of progress, problems and/or illness. Students all stated that they are encouraged to make choices and can have a key to their room if they wish. Students had unrestricted access to the houses and gardens. All students take a turn in the cooking of meals and were keen to explain to the inspectors that they held weekly meetings to agree the menus. Meal times were observed to be flexible and unhurried and students are encouraged to follow a healthy eating option but taking into account their ages, likes and dislikes and specific needs in relation to specific dietary needs, religious and cultural needs. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 15 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 standard(s) 18,19,20,21 Students’ privacy, dignity and respect is promoted by a caring and professional team of staff. Students’ physical and emotional needs are met, by the provision of a wide range of healthcare professionals and outside agencies. Students are encouraged to manage their own medication where possible and supported with this when required. EVIDENCE: Students confirmed that the support they received from staff promoted their dignity, privacy and respect. Staff were observed to behave in an appropriate manner towards students and personal support is provided by staff of the same gender where this is possible Times for getting up and going to bed were flexible up to a point, staff and students explained that because students had timetables to adhere to they had to be in bed at a reasonable time during the week to ensure that were on time for their college courses. Individual likes and dislikes were recorded on the care plan and students told the inspector that they chose their own key worker. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 16 Records examined confirmed that students had access to a wide range of health professionals e.g. psychiatrist and psychologist, speech and language therapist and visual impairment specialist, there is also a registered nurse on the college campus that students can book an appointment with. Students are enabled to visit the GP, audiologist, and dentist and attend any outpatient appointments otherwise relatives can facilitate this when students go home. Staff in the houses monitors the student’s well being, and a booklet has been devised in Makaton and diagrams to help students identify where they might have any pain. Linkage has robust medication policies and procedures that include receipt, storage, administration and disposal of medication. Students who wish to self medicate are encouraged to work toward this with a graduating self-medication programme. The college nurse will assess the student prior to commencement and a risk assessment is undertaken. Facilities are made available to students to lock their medication away. The GP regularly reviews students for their medication and the college nurse checks the systems in the houses on a regular basis, the local pharmacist also regular reviews the systems. The medication systems were examined by the inspector as part of the inspection process and found to be well managed and robust. All staff are given medication administration induction training by the nurse, which includes a competency check. NMS 21 is generally not applicable in this care setting as if any student were to become seriously ill, they would return home. However it has been acknowledged that training on death and dying would be beneficial for the staff and this is to be provided soon. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 17 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 standard(s) 22,23 Students are listened to and their views acted on by a wide range of methods. Linkage has a robust complaints procedure that all students were aware of. The staff team were not fully aware of Protection of Vulnerable Adults policies and procedures and their responsibilities within these therefore strategies are not in place to ensure students are protected from abuse, neglect and harm. EVIDENCE: Linkage had a complaints policy/procedure that included timescales and was provided in Makaton symbols, audiocassette and DVD. All students had been given a copy and those spoken to confirmed this. All minor issues were dealt with through the house meetings and minutes were seen to evidence this. More serious issues were taken to the learner council and a mechanism is in place for responding to these areas of concern and/or complaint. The learner council confirmed this and the inspectors sat in one of the meetings and observed. Linkage has a Protection of Vulnerable Adults policy and procedure and also a Child Protection procedure and has identified a key person within the college set up for all referrals to be made through these procedures. Linkage also has a Whistle Blowing Policy. However some staff spoken to were not clear about their responsibilities within the POVA procedures and therefore training must be provided. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 18 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 standard(s) 24,25,26,27,28,29,30 Action is needed to ensure that necessary repairs and redecoration are carried out without delays as this impacts on the students’ quality of life. Donna’s Cottage and Dunsford were observed to be clean and tidy. There was an odour found in one bedroom. Both houses have domestic style kitchens available for students, allowing them to prepare their own meals and snacks. EVIDENCE: Cluster 3 consists of Donna’s Cottage and Dunsford and is registered to accommodate 16 students. Donna’s Cottage is a detached property set over a minor road from the grounds of the main hall campus and students have just a short walk to access activities within the main hall. At the front there is car parking for three Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 19 vehicles and access to the garage. There is access to the rear of property via a path that runs down the side of the house. The property consists of three double and two single bedrooms. There is a bathroom on the upper floor consisting of a W.C. bath and washbasin. On the ground floor is a second bathroom consisting of a shower cubicle, W.C. and washbasin, this is an en suite facility. On the ground floor there is also a lounge, a utility room, kitchen and dining room. Dunsford is a detached property sited approximately two miles from the main campus and within easy walking distance of the town centre and local amenities of Spilsby. The students also have access to a good local transport system. The property consists of two double and four single bedrooms. There are two bathrooms on the first floor, the first consisting of a W.C. bath with shower over it and washbasin, the second has a shower cubicle, W.C. and washbasin. A third WC. With washbasin is situated on the ground floor. On the ground floor there is also a lounge, dining room, kitchen and utility provided. A number of the bedrooms are shared and are small. Whilst some students spoken to said that they liked sharing a number of others spoken to stated that they would prefer to have a single room so that they can have private space when they wanted it. The registered person must review the number of shared rooms the college accomodation has and provide a plan for the reduction of these. All of the rooms were personalised to the students own taste and they said they had all the furniture they needed/wanted. All rooms were lockable or in the process of having locks fitted at the time of the inspection. There are two staff sleeping in rooms. Some minor improvements and redecoration has been made to Cluster 3. An immediate requirement was made in respect of a wardrobe door and three kitchen cupboard doors missing at Dunsford. The manager had copies of letters and contact with the maintenance department to address these, over a period of several months, but the work had not been completed. There are areas of cluster 3 which would benefit from further refurbishment/redecoration, for example the bathrooms in Dunsford and a further bathroom available in Donna’s Cottage for students use. Donna’s Cottage and Dunsford were found to be clean and free from offensive odours, except for one bedroom. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 20 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31,32,33,34,35,36 The staff team have a clear understanding about their roles and responsibilities and are appropriately supervised therefore are able to support the students. Staff training is of concern, although training is identified and courses available they are not in enough quantity to enable staff to receive training in a timely fashion, therefore all of the students needs cannot be met. A robust recruitment and selection process protects students from the risk of harm. Students receive the correct amount of staff support as determined by their assessment EVIDENCE: From examination of staff files and discussion with staff it was evident that all staff have clearly defined job descriptions and are clear about their role and how this fits in with the linkage aims and meeting students needs. Observation of staff practices confirmed that they have developed appropriate relationships with students and treat them in an age appropriate way and with Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 21 the utmost of dignity and respect whilst offering guidance and support in a sensitive manner. The staff team are supported by a wide range of health professionals e.g. psychiatrist and psychologist, speech and language therapist and visual impairment specialist, there is also a registered nurse on the college campus for advice and support. Linkage recruitment policies and procedures are robust and examination of staff files confirmed that all staff have had CRB disclosures, all identity as required by regulation was in place, references obtained and students spoken to confirmed they were involved in the recruitment process. Staff are subject to a 6 month probationary period following appointment and a detailed induction programme is undertaken. Staff confirmed that they had been given a copy of the GSCC code of practice. The registered manager had a training and development plan for the staff team that clearly identified staff training needs and all staff had an individual training and development action plan that was completed annually. A wide range of training is provided by linkage and included mandatory training, DDA, HIV/Aids, POVA and child protection, diabetes, Makaton, competence to drive the mini bus, administration of medication, epilepsy, religion and culture, confidentiality, whistle blowing, every child matters, principles of care, managing challenging behaviour and human rights, however from the examination of training records it was evident that not all staff were up to date with mandatory training and not all staff had completed service specific training in a timely fashion. This must be addressed. Linkage has low numbers of staff that are qualified to NVQ level 2 or equivalent and this must be addressed. The staff team are well supported, records examined and discussions with staff confirmed that formal supervision is provided at least 6 times a year, sometimes more and informal supervision as and when needed. Staffing numbers in the hall is determined by the schedule and purchase order that details the level of support that each student needs, this is then provided by linkage. Some students’ receive one to one support at certain times in the day others receive very little support, as per their assessment. There is a registered manager who has responsibility for Donna’s Cottage and Dunsford. Independence tutors and support workers are available as determined, by assessed need. Independence tutors sleep in to provide staff support throughout the night, in both houses. Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 22 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 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 37,38,39,40,41,42,43 Linkage is a creditable organisation that is well run and managed from the top down, with a wide range of policies and procedures that are regularly reviewed and monitored which promote students rights and best interests. Some of these still need amending and updating. Students are at the heart of the organisation and their views are taken into account by the quality monitoring scheme, learner council and by managers and staff in the hall that promote their involvement. Students live in a safe environment however the recommendations of the fire officer must be addressed and all staff need to be up to date with mandatory training EVIDENCE: Staff spoken to stated that the registered manager is “fantastic, approachable, and listens to suggestions”.” She is not afraid to admit when she doesn’t know Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 23 the answer.” The manager will always pass on information and is open and offers a clear direction to staff. She has managed the two houses since June 2004. The manager has worked for linkage community trust in different roles for the last two years. She has previously worked with children in a variety of day care settings including the role of manager, she also has experience of working with adults with a learning disability within both educational and settings. She also has an NVQ level three in caring for children and young people and a nursery nurse qualification. She is qualified to NVQ level 4 in management and will be undertaking the care component. She has also completed a variety of training through Linkage. Regular staff and student meetings are held and minutes were seen to confirm this. The Residential Services Manager has been pro active in working with the CSCI in the registration of the Linkage college accommodation services. All conditions of registration have been adhered to. All students and relatives spoken to by the inspectors were aware of the inspection and without exception stated that they had been encouraged to be involved and speak to the inspectors openly and honestly. From examining the records the inspectors were satisfied that Linkage had policies and procedures that covered a wide range of topics, were detailed and clear and gave staff clear guidance on how to conduct themselves. Staff spoken to could demonstrate their knowledge of the policies and procedures and how to implement them in practice. The policies and procedures were kept under review and since registration a number had been updated and amended and new ones added. The Complaints procedure and fire procedure had been produced in a symbolised format and provided in a DVD that had been acted out by college students. Students spoken to had good understanding of these procedures and found benefit from watching them acted out in the DVD. The policies and procedures that require amendment and updating are bullying, this policy only related to staff and not service users, sexuality and relationships, recruitment and selection to include the request for CRB clearances, staff disciplinary to include referrals to the POVA list where staff are suspended/dismissed for abuse and use of restrictive physical interventions. Linkage have a Corporate Quality Monitoring system (EFQM) and a College Quality Manager who co ordinates and leads on quality issues. A year long calendar is produced that provides the framework for QA activity including surveys, audits and appraisals. Student comment cards had been translated Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 24 into Makaton symbols to aid students understanding and enable them to participate in the process. Linkage produces an Annual Review document and regular newsletters. All of which were seen by the inspectors. All records required to be kept for the effective running of the business and protection of students were seen by the inspectors and all records were maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Linkage has a corporate Health and Safety policy and procedures to ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors. All areas are risk assessed, this includes both environmental and task/activities. All mandatory training is provided, however as previously stated not all staff were up to date. All maintenance certificates were seen and up to date. Thermostatic valves had been fitted to ensure the safe temperature of the water and window restrictors fitted where appropriate. Fire risk assessments had been completed and had identified actions which needed to be taken. Linkage is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee and provides Linkage College and accommodation, linkage care services and employment services to adults with a learning disability and other needs. They provide services in Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire. In 2004 Ofsted/ALI inspected the college, a review of the financial management was undertaken by LSC and a monitoring visit undertaken by the Charity Commission, all of which were successful and positive inspections. SCORING OF OUTCOMES Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 25 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. Where there is no score against a standard it has not been looked at during this inspection. 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score 4 4 4 N/A N/A Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 4 2 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 4 4 4 4 4 Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score 3 3 2 3 2 4 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 4 N/A Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 3 2 2 3 3 Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 26 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 23 Regulation 13(6) Requirement The registered person must ensure that all staff have received training in the Protection of Vulnerable Adults/Children The registered person must provide a maintenance, renewal refurbishment and redecoration plan of Donnas Cottage and Dunsford. Timescales should be included in the plan. The registered person must provide a plan with timescales of how they aim to reduce the number of double rooms. The registered person must ensure that all staff receive mandatory training and that this is updated as required. The registered person must ensure that staff receive service specific training.e.g. Makaton in time to be able to meet students needs. The registered person must ensure that an NVQ programme is put in place to ensure that staff are trained to at least NVQ level 2. The registered person must ensure that policies and Timescale for action 30/11/05 2. 24 23 30/09/05 3. 25 23(2f)& 12(4a) 18(1a)&(c i) 18(1a)&(c i) 30/09/05 4. 35 30/09/05 5. 35 30/11/05 6. 32 18(1a) & (ci) 30/11/05 7. 40 24 30/11/05 Page 27 Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 8. 29 23(2)( c ) procedures are reviewed and amended in line with updated legislation and best practice guidance. The registered person shall Immediate having regard to the number and needs of service users ensure that, equipment provided in the care home for use by service users or persons who work at the care homeare maintained in good working order. 9. 10. 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 Good Practice Recommendations Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 28 Commission for Social Care Inspection Unity House, The Point Weaver Road off Whisby Road Lincoln, LN6 3QN 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 Toynton College (Cluster Three) C53-C04 S61175 ToyntonCollege3 V223539 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.20 Page 29 - 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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