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Care Home: Linkage Community Trust

  • 147 Drummond Road The Palms Skegness Lincolnshire PE25 3BT
  • Tel: 01790755003
  • Fax:

The Palms is part of a voluntary organisation called Linkage Community Trust `College`, which offers care and education to students from all over the country. The students home is a detached two-storey house situated in a residential area of Skegness and is registered to accommodate seven people who have a learning disability. The home has a front garden and a small garden area to the side of the house, equipped with patio furniture. The home is sited close to the local shopping area and other community facilities. Public transport is readily available, linking Skegness with Spilsby and Boston. Accommodation is provided in seven single occupancy rooms with en suite facilities, on both the ground and first floors. The Learning Skills Council predominantly funds students and some students are also partially funded by Local Authorities. Fees reflect the individual assessments of students needs and depends on the educational and therapeutic care that is required. Fees are very variable and address a wide band of differing needs.

  • Latitude: 53.132999420166
    Longitude: 0.33799999952316
  • Manager: Samantha Hallgarth
  • UK
  • Total Capacity: 7
  • Type: Care home only
  • Provider: Linkage Community Trust
  • Ownership: Voluntary
  • Care Home ID: 9790
Residents Needs:
Learning disability

Latest Inspection

This is the latest available inspection report for this service, carried out on 24th January 2008. CSCI found this care home to be providing an Good service.

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.

For extracts, read the latest CQC inspection for Linkage Community Trust.

What the care home does well The Palms provides a positive environment for students who need support, whilst at the same time encouraging independence. Students said that they are very happy at The Palms, and like living there. A student commented that, `this was a dream come true to come and live here`. Another comment was that, `I fell in love with the campus as soon as I saw it`. Another student stated that she liked her room and it had everything she wanted. Both students also said that they are encouraged to be independent, being in charge of their own finances and personalising their rooms, whilst having the freedom to go out when they wish. Both students also commented that `carers support us a hell of a lot, and the manager is fantastic` and one said `the manager is allowing me to have my hamster`. What has improved since the last inspection? This is the first inspection of this home and therefore this does not apply; however the providers AQAA evidences that this home has been completely refurbished prior to the admission of any students. What the care home could do better: There are no requirements or recommendations made at this inspection. CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Linkage Community Trust The Palms 147 Drummond Road Skegness Lincolnshire PE25 3BT Lead Inspector Doug Tunmore Unannounced Inspection 24 January 2008 10:00 th Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Linkage Community Trust Address The Palms 147 Drummond Road Skegness Lincolnshire PE25 3BT 01790 755003 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) Linkage Community Trust Samantha Hallgarth Care Home 7 Category(ies) of Learning disability (7) registration, with number of places Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The registered person may provide the following category of service only:Care home only - Code PC To people of the following gender: Either Whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: Learning Disability - Code LD The maximum number of people who can be accommodated within the home is: 7 First Inspection since registration 2. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The Palms is part of a voluntary organisation called Linkage Community Trust ‘College’, which offers care and education to students from all over the country. The students home is a detached two-storey house situated in a residential area of Skegness and is registered to accommodate seven people who have a learning disability. The home has a front garden and a small garden area to the side of the house, equipped with patio furniture. The home is sited close to the local shopping area and other community facilities. Public transport is readily available, linking Skegness with Spilsby and Boston. Accommodation is provided in seven single occupancy rooms with en suite facilities, on both the ground and first floors. The Learning Skills Council predominantly funds students and some students are also partially funded by Local Authorities. Fees reflect the individual assessments of students needs and depends on the educational and therapeutic care that is required. Fees are very variable and address a wide band of differing needs. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The quality rating for this service is 2 star. This means the people who use this service experience good quality outcomes. This unannounced visit to the home was undertaken by one inspector and formed part of a key inspection, focusing on all the key standards. Throughout this report the terms ‘we’ and ‘us’ refer to The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This is a new service and the registered manager had provided information for this inspection. Prior to the visit the provider had returned their Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA), which had been completed by the manager. This gave important information about the service which was used in the planning of the inspection as well as the service history of the home and both documents will be mentioned throughout this report. The main method of inspection used was ‘case tracking’ which involved selecting two residents and tracking the care they received through looking at their records and observing staff that provide their care. Two students, the responsible individual, registered manager, and a carer were spoken with as part of the inspection process. All students were seen during this inspection. ‘Have Your Say’ surveys were sent to the home by the commission prior to the visit and students returned six, which provided positive information about how this organisation cares for people who live there. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 This is the first inspection of this home and therefore this does not apply; however the providers AQAA evidences that this home has been completely refurbished prior to the admission of any students. 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 summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students have a comprehensive range of accessible information available to them, which helps them to make their choice about where to live. They are fully involved in the assessment and admission process, which assures them that the home is suitable for their needs. EVIDENCE: The providers AQAA showed that; ‘A full pre assessment of the students needs are gathered prior to entry and prospective students have the opportunity to test drive the home in a residential assessment stay. Once in college, students are given the opportunity to test-drive various homes within the college. Each student has a key worker and personal tutor with whom they can discuss choices regarding future accommodation’. During the visit we saw the statement of purpose and service user guide and both documents are available in a DVD format and sign language. They are both detailed documents that tell service users about the home and how it runs, including information about the contracts for placement. Individual Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 contracts are in place for each service user, as well as an admission sheet, and a set of expectations from the organisation for living at the home. Students are given the college code of conduct, the student charter and a mission statement, which is also in pictorial form. During discussions students demonstrated that they understand the expectations, and they said that staff had helped them to reach this understanding. We looked at the files of two students who were being case tracked and found an assessment of needs in place for each student, which covers issues such as finances, safety, communication, personal skills, domestic skills, emotional needs and behaviour. Students said that they helped to do the assessments with involvement from their families and one said she had a ‘personal advisor’. Assessments carried out by the placing authorities were also in individual files. Personal profile/personal history is in place, and there is a ‘focus page’, which says briefly what help and support the service user needs and then cross references this information to relevant care plans and risk assessments. Students signed the documents to say that they agree with the information, and to indicate their involvement. Both students seen confirmed that they had been involved in their care and education planning. Students also confirmed they had come to the college for a three day assessment. The manager stated that a two-day assessment takes place and students have the choice of two different campuses. Surveys received indicated that all but one student had a choice of moving into the home, and all of them said that they had enough information to help them make that choice. One student stated that she was moved from another house, which she liked better but staff thought she might get on better here. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 6,7 & 9 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students benefit from a robust and person centred approach to care planning, which they are fully involved in. They are able to have control of their own lives, and be fully involved in the running of the home in a supported and safe manner. EVIDENCE: Information written in the AQAA indicated that; ‘we have excellent care plans which reflect individual personal goals. The care plan is reviewed every 3 months with the student taking an active role alongside staff, however a 6 weekly review is also done to ensure students are happy between the times of the full review. Students attend weekly meetings as well as annual reviews where they are encouraged to make a contribution of choice. Students are able to express their views via the learner council representatives. Each student has individualised risk assessments’. We looked at care plans, which covered needs such as healthy lifestyles, dentist, behaviour management, personal hygiene and independence. Privacy, Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 dignity and choice are reflected in the care plans, and thee monthly reviews were in evidence. As well as assessing how effective the care plans are, the reviews give the student an opportunity to express their views about house issues, leisure activities and concerns or complaints. The student’s key worker signs to say they have checked the files on a monthly basis, and the student signs the care plans. Risk assessments are in place, which cross reference with the care plans; and they cover needs such as behaviour, night care, scalding, falls, sharp instruments, emotional support and mobility. The manager confirmed that reviews could be held monthly or daily if required. As well as care plans and risk assessments, there are also person centred files and plans in place, in which service users write about what they are achieving and what they aspire to in the future. The two students who were being case tracked said that they complete their files and do the reviews with their key workers. One student said that ‘she writes her own notes into her file’. They also commented that they have house meetings where they can air their views. Minutes of the house meetings show that there is discussion about all aspect of daily living. The registered manager said that carers are mindful of student’s privacy and dignity and always knock before entering a student’s room. All students have keys to their room to ensure their privacy. Observation made by the inspector during this inspection was that students and staff have a good working relationship and seemed to enjoy each others company with friendly banter being exchanged throughout this visit. The college has a Student Council, where representatives from each house can raise issues and concerns. A representative from advocacy services is also involved in the Student Council. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 & 17 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students have access to a wide range of social, leisure and work based activities, which help them to develop their independence in the home and community settings. They enjoy a healthy diet based on their own choices. EVIDENCE: The providers AQAA showed that; ‘We promote independence and offer wide and varied leisure programs and the development of key skills such as travel, budgeting, self managed medication and cooking skills. We encourage social inclusion and community participation. We have a Personal Health and Social Education lecturer (PHSE) to whom students can be referred as necessary, as well as access to the psychologist. Students are involved with menu planning and healthy eating is encouraged’. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 All surveys showed that students could choose what they want to do at all times. During the visit students commented that they have their own rooms which they help keep clean and tidy. There is rota for cleaning and all students are prompted to take part in chores. Students confirmed that the carers are helpful and support them in what they want to do. Most of the students in this home are very able and are mostly independent. During the visit students were talking about the forthcoming Valentines day party and whether they were going with a boyfriend or not. After lunch students were going out to various venues in the town to do some shopping or just hang out. A carer stated that the students have mobile phones and text friends and family - they also write and e-mail home if they so wish. Two students showed the inspector their room and cards from their families were seen wishing them good luck. Two students said that they and other students are collecting information about holidays to Rome, Derbyshire or Cornwall. The lounge/dining room had maps on the wall and information about planned holidays. At the time of this inspection one student had been to a training venue for nail technology and others returned from college where they had been undertaking various physical activities and educational input. On Sunday evenings, students meet for menu planning for the coming week. This also entails those students who are to be supported in the kitchen for cooking duties in which they are supported by carers in varying degrees. One student said that she is very confident in the kitchen and that some of the other girls cook too. ‘We go shopping for food on Saturday or Monday’. We looked at care plans and found that students dietary needs had been recorded which included likes and dislikes as well as any allergies they might have. Students confirmed that they are enabled by carers and are becoming confidents and independent in their daily living. There is also a leisure meeting where discussions take place has to what the students would like to do. Two students said they often go out to pubs or restaurants with ‘lads’ from up the street who are also placed at Toynton College. The college has a philosophy of a 24-hour curriculum, where skills learnt at college are transferred to every day living and accessing all those community amenities that all other people do. One student seen stated that; ‘my dreams came true, I fell in love with this campus as soon as I saw it’. The second student commented that, I had an assessment which I didn’t enjoy, didn’t like the staff and then got used to my staff’. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 18,19 & 20 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students are involved through care planning and record keeping to ensure their personal and health care needs will be met in a safe and supported manner, which suits their individual preferences. EVIDENCE: Information written in the AQAA indicated that; ‘our staff are trained in medication and our health action plans are detailed. Current staff work with professionals to understand behaviour plans. Care plans are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they contain relevant and up to date information. Each student is registered with a local G.P. and all have access to the college nurse, Clinical Psychiatrist, Educational Psychologist and Speech’ We looked at care plans, which are in place for needs such as self-medication, allergies, eye care and diabetes. Two students said that they do not selfmedicate and care plans evidenced that all but one resident takes creams for Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 skin complaints. Medication records were seen and an accurate record was kept on the day of this visit. There is a clear audit trail in records from ordering of medication to usage or disposal. Throughout this visit students praised the level of support that they received from staff. Observations by the inspector were that carers treat students as adults and were friendly, courteous and respectful towards them during this visit. Care plans evidenced how the student wants to be supported to meet their health care needs. There are up to date records for visits to the GP, chiropodists and well-person clinics. Students confirmed that they can see the GP when they wish and that a recent stomach ‘bug’ resulted in the college nurse visiting the home. The provider organisation employs a psychologist who helps students with needs such as bereavement and other emotional issues where they might require this input. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 22 & 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students feel that they are listened to and feel safe in the home. EVIDENCE: The providers AQAA showed that; ‘We have clear policies and procedures in place. Staff are trained to understand and follow our procedure in the case of complaints and the protection of individuals. Students have access to a complaints book in each house as well as a section in the care plan for recording these. All staff are provided with training and a green card (advice leaflet on how to deal with the disclosure of abuse) upon commencement of their employment. Students have the opportunity to meet with an independent advocate’. Information is universally available in all clusters (homes) and the colleges relating to policies and procedures for safeguarding adults, concerns and complaints, whistle blowing and management of service users money. Surveys evidenced that four students know how to make a complaint if they are not happy with anything, and they think that staff listen to them and act upon what they say. Two students did not complete the survey. Records show that one student made an informal complaint, which had not reached the second formal stage. The student who complained confirmed that her complaint was listened to and acted upon to her satisfaction. There was one safeguarding adult referral and the manager confirmed that this was an Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 ongoing police investigation concerning two students with one of which has left the college. The registered manager stated that a record is kept of daily concerns from students and the outcomes of action taken to address the concerns were seen to have been recorded. One carer stated that she was aware of her responsibilities in reporting concerns or allegations about child or adult abuse and confirmed that they have received training. Both students felt safe in the home due to ‘carers being around’. The complaints policy is in place in student’s personal files, and it is available in sign language and DVD formats. Students sign to say that have received and understood the policy. The contact details for advocacy services and the commission are also in contained in care plans. As previously mentioned there is a student representative committee for the wider organisation. There is also an advocate from a local advocacy service takes part in the committee. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 24, 25, 27 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students are fully involved in developing and maintaining a comfortable and homely environment, which suits their needs and wishes. EVIDENCE: Information written in the AQAA indicated that ‘Our students all live in a homely, comfortable and safe envivonment and the house is of a good standard. It is kept clean and hygienic. Students are encouraged to personalise their own rooms and have lockable facilities and a key to their own room’. On the day of the visit the house was very clean and tidy throughout, and Students talked about their rota for housework. All student’s surveys showed that they felt the home was always fresh and clean. Two students showed the Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 inspector around the house and their own rooms. They were very proud of their rooms and had personalised them to suit their own tastes. One student was clearly delighted when she commented that she was going to be allowed to have her hamster in her room. The house was completely refurbished in 2006 before any student was admitted. The décor throughout the home was bright and in a good state of repair. The college maintenance team undertakes the repairs and a repair book was available which recorded all work undertaken. The responsible individual stated that a new dining room/lounge carpet is to be purchased in the near future. All students are fully mobile and do not require any aids or adaptations. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 32,34 & 35 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Carers are well trained to carryout their role. They are safely recruited and support Students in their daily lives. EVIDENCE: The providers AQAA showed that; ‘ Staff are trained to be competent in their work in order to fully support the students. We have an effective recruitment policy and staff are supported to work efficiently within the organisation. Staff are provided with the opportunity to progress within the company. Currently 50 of care staff hold an NVQ Level 2 or above. All staff require CRB and POVA checks prior to employment. ‘Students are involved in the recruitment of staff and are invited to join management team meetings to share their views’. We looked at one carer’s personnel file, which contained application forms, references, identification, criminal record bureau checks, and new employee Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 checklists. The registered manager said that students are involved in interviewing prospective staff members. One carer stated that she had undertaken a robust recruitment process prior to starting work at this home. She also confirmed that she had undertaken; induction training, epilepsy training and infection control. She further commented that she would be undertaking NVQ (National Vocational Qualifications, in working with people with a learning disabilities) level 3. Evidence was seen in the carers file that she has six weekly supervision sessions and recently had a full appraisal carried out by the manager. She described the training opportunities and her supervision as very good. Rotas show that there is a consistent staff team, and there are enough staff to cover the contracted number of care hours. The registered manager said that if there is a shortage of staff, then cover can be obtained from other areas of the organisation, who are known to the students. During the visit a carer demonstrated a very clear knowledge and understanding of the students diverse needs and how best to support them. Students stated that they liked the staff who are very helpful and they like all of them. This was also evidenced in four student surveys with two not being completed. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 37,39 & 42 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Students are fully involved in the development of their home and the wider provider organisation. They are protected by robust record keeping practices and policies and the home is well managed and organised. EVIDENCE: Information written in the AQAA indicated that, ‘there is a clear management structure in place and the manager ensures that regular systems checks are carried out. All staff have regular supervisions and appraisals. Students have undertaken a safe learner induction, which covers fire, accidents and staff support so that know the correct procedures to follow. The self- Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 assessment Report states that leadership and management are good. The college also has a quality assurance team’. The manager has attended a fit-person interview with the commission in October 2007,and has been registered as manager. Both staff and students commented that the manager is approachable and supportive. She continues to undertake training provided within this organisation. She has also undertaken training in management leadership, NVQ level 3,and managing safety. The manager stated that she is currently working towards NVQ level 4, the registered managers award and the NVQ assessor’s award. Evidence was received by the commission, which showed that good systems are in place to monitor quality within this organisation, which seeks the views of students and their families. The responsible individual undertakes regular visits to the home and monthly reports are received from her by the commission on any issues that may arise. The college has a number of ways of ensuring that students views are represented and listened to, such as the students council, personal tutorials and 1-1 key worker sessions. The providers AQAA showed that; gas safety inspections have been carried out, electrical wiring checks, fire precautions checks, and portable electrical equipment checks. The manager stated that risk assessments are available relating to the home environment. Staff had been trained in Health & Safety, Fire procedures. Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 4 2 4 3 4 4 4 5 4 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 3 26 x 27 3 28 x 29 x 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 x 32 3 33 x 34 3 35 3 36 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 4 4 x LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 4 12 4 13 4 14 4 15 3 16 4 17 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 x 3 x 4 x x 4 x Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 NA Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 Commission for Social Care Inspection East Midland Regional Office Unit 7 Interchange 25 Business Park Bostocks Lane Nottingham NG10 5QG National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 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 Linkage Community Trust DS0000070908.V358312.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 - 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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