Care Home: Portland College

What the care home does well Anyone who wants to attend the college is required to follow the college`s admission process. This includes an assessment of their care needs, to ensure their needs can be met within the college. This includes a planned stay within the college. Staff are made aware of learners` needs and provided with information about how these will be met prior to the planned stay. Survey forms showed a high level of satisfaction experienced through the referral and assessment process. One learner told us the admission process had been, "Daunting at first, until I got to know people. That`s how it is when you go somewhere new". All learners are involved in preparing and reviewing their care plans, which include information about their preferences and longer term goals. A learner told us, "If I want to look at it (the care plan) I can ask to do so, and have done so." Learners are encouraged to make decisions for themselves and are provided with the information, equipment and support they require to do so. A learner told us, "I am able to say what I want". There are formal risk assessment in place and staff said they remain alert to any changes that could create a new risk for anyone. Each learner has an individual timetable of their weekly programme within the college, which include group and individual learning situations. One learner said, "This is the best college in the country". Learners have opportunities to join in organised activities as well as having individual time. There are facilities on campus to enable learners to socialise and they are supported to go out into the local community. The Student Information, Advice and Guidance Department (SIAG) provides support to enable learners to live an ordinary and meaningful life. Relationships with families and friends are supported and guidance is provided about personal and sexual relationships. Routines are designed to enable learners to fulfill their college timetable and spend their leisure time how they wish. There is a wide selection of food available which is well presented. Learners were seen having the assistance they require to choose and eat their meals, which they told us they had enjoyed. There are staff and facilities designated to promote and enable learners to have their healthcare needs met. Each learner has an individual Health Action Plan and one learner said, "I have a lot of help to look after my health, I get the help I need". Where able, learners are encouraged to administer their own medication and each learner has a lockable medication cabinet in their room. Learners are given information about how to complain if they are not happy about anything. All those apart from one learner who completed our survey forms said they knew how to make a complaint. One learner told us, "I don`t have any concerns, if I did I would be able to say so". Staff know how to protect people in the event of any allegation and there are designated staff within the college who are responsible for dealing with any safeguarding referrals. Staff were aware of differing kinds of abuse and understood the safeguarding procedures to follow in the event of any allegation, as well as demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of the whistleblowing procedure. A learner told us, "I feel totally safe here." The accommodation is designed, altered and upgraded to best meet the needs of the learners, and provide a suitable environment for them to enjoy a student lifestyle. There are suitable arrangements for the disposal of waste products and good practices are followed to prevent the spread of any infection. There are sufficient and suitably trained staff on duty who have been through the required recruitment checks. There is a suitably qualified and experienced management team in place and learners are encouraged to comment on how the college is run. The required health and safety checks and tests to the building and equipment are carried out. What has improved since the last inspection? The college provides an excellent example of continual improvements being sought and implemented. There are systems in place to keep all aspects of college life under review, and changes and improvements are made according to changing needs of learners, legislation and good practice. What the care home could do better: No requirements or recommendations were set as a result of this inspection. Key inspection report Care homes for adults (18-65 years) Name: Address: Portland College Nottingham Road Mansfield Nottingham NG18 4TJ     The quality rating for this care home is:   three star excellent service A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full review of the service. We call this full review a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Stephen Benson     Date: 0 4 0 2 2 0 1 0 This is a review of quality of outcomes that people experience in this care home. We believe high quality care should • • • • • Be safe Have the right outcomes, including clinical outcomes Be a good experience for the people that use it Help prevent illness, and promote healthy, independent living Be available to those who need it when they need it. The first part of the review gives the overall quality rating for the care home: • • • • 3 2 1 0 stars - excellent stars - good star - adequate star - poor There is also a bar chart that gives a quick way of seeing the quality of care that the home provides under key areas that matter to people. There is a summary of what we think this service does well, what they have improved on and, where it applies, what they need to do better. We use the national minimum standards to describe the outcomes that people should experience. National minimum standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. After the summary there is more detail about our findings. The following table explains what you will see under each outcome area. Outcome area (for example Choice of home) These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. that people have said are important to them: They reflect the things This box tells you the outcomes that we will always inspect against when we do a key inspection. This box tells you any additional outcomes that we may inspect against when we do a key inspection. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: This box tells you our opinion of what we have looked at in this outcome area. We will say whether it is excellent, good, adequate or poor. Evidence: This box describes the information we used to come to our judgement. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 2 of 30 We review the quality of the service against outcomes from the National Minimum Standards (NMS). Those standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. Copies of the National Minimum Standards – Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or bought from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop The mission of the Care Quality Commission is to make care better for people by: • Regulating health and adult social care services to ensure quality and safety standards, drive improvement and stamp out bad practice • Protecting the rights of people who use services, particularly the most vulnerable and those detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 • Providing accessible, trustworthy information on the quality of care and services so people can make better decisions about their care and so that commissioners and providers of services can improve services. • Providing independent public accountability on how commissioners and providers of services are improving the quality of care and providing value for money. Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report Care Quality Commission General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) © Care Quality Commission 2010 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any format or medium for non-commercial purposes, provided that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a derogatory manner or in a misleading context. The source should be acknowledged, by showing the publication title and © Care Quality Commission 2010. www.cqc.org.uk Internet address Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 3 of 30 Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: Portland College Nottingham Road Mansfield Nottingham NG18 4TJ 01623499100 Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): quentinc@portland.ac.uk Portland College Name of registered manager (if applicable) Quentin Colley Type of registration: Number of places registered: care home 135 Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 learning disability physical disability Additional conditions: The maximum number of people who can be accommodated is: 135. 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) and Physical Disability (Code PD). Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Portland College is a dedicated Further Education College offering a wide range of courses designed to enable young people with disabilities to develop to their full potential, both academically and in a wide range of daily living skills. Situated on Nottingham Road, Mansfield, Nottighamshire, the college, which is a Registered Charity, is registered to provide a unique service to 135 young adults and 16 and 17 year olds with Physical Disabilities who, by nature of their disability, require a degree Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 4 of 30 Over 65 0 0 135 135 Brief description of the care home of care and support not provided by local colleges of Further Education. The Registration covers those students with a physical disability and who receive personal care as part of their placement at the college. Fees are arranged dependent on the support needs of the individual. The Learning and Skills Council mainly sponsor the education support packages of these young people. Students are informed about CQC inspection and how to access the reports of the inspections at an initial presentation upon admission to the college and within the Student Guide. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 5 of 30 Summary This is an overview of what we found during the inspection. The quality rating for this care home is: Our judgement for each outcome: three star excellent service Choice of home Individual needs and choices Lifestyle Personal and healthcare support Concerns, complaints and protection Environment Staffing Conduct and management of the home peterchart Poor Adequate Good Excellent How we did our inspection: The focus of inspections undertaken by the Care Quality Commission is upon outcomes for people accommodated and their views on the service provided. This process considers the providers capacity to meet regulatory requirements, minimum standards of practice; and focuses on aspects of service provision that need further development. This was our first visit to the college since 1st April 2009. This inspection involved one inspector; it was unannounced and took place in the daytime, including lunchtime. Prior to the visit an analysis of the college was undertaken from information gathered over the last year including that from the Annual Quality Assurance Assessment they completed. The main method of inspection used is called case tracking which involves looking at the quality of the care received by a number of people staying at the college. We also Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 6 of 30 use evidence from our observations; we speak with them about their experience whilst at college; we look at records and talk with staff about their understanding of the peoples needs who they support. The premises were not inspected in detail but various areas of the college were visited as part of the inspection. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 7 of 30 What the care home does well: Anyone who wants to attend the college is required to follow the colleges admission process. This includes an assessment of their care needs, to ensure their needs can be met within the college. This includes a planned stay within the college. Staff are made aware of learners needs and provided with information about how these will be met prior to the planned stay. Survey forms showed a high level of satisfaction experienced through the referral and assessment process. One learner told us the admission process had been, Daunting at first, until I got to know people. Thats how it is when you go somewhere new. All learners are involved in preparing and reviewing their care plans, which include information about their preferences and longer term goals. A learner told us, If I want to look at it (the care plan) I can ask to do so, and have done so. Learners are encouraged to make decisions for themselves and are provided with the information, equipment and support they require to do so. A learner told us, I am able to say what I want. There are formal risk assessment in place and staff said they remain alert to any changes that could create a new risk for anyone. Each learner has an individual timetable of their weekly programme within the college, which include group and individual learning situations. One learner said, This is the best college in the country. Learners have opportunities to join in organised activities as well as having individual time. There are facilities on campus to enable learners to socialise and they are supported to go out into the local community. The Student Information, Advice and Guidance Department (SIAG) provides support to enable learners to live an ordinary and meaningful life. Relationships with families and friends are supported and guidance is provided about personal and sexual relationships. Routines are designed to enable learners to fulfill their college timetable and spend their leisure time how they wish. There is a wide selection of food available which is well presented. Learners were seen having the assistance they require to choose and eat their meals, which they told us they had enjoyed. There are staff and facilities designated to promote and enable learners to have their healthcare needs met. Each learner has an individual Health Action Plan and one learner said, I have a lot of help to look after my health, I get the help I need. Where able, learners are encouraged to administer their own medication and each learner has a lockable medication cabinet in their room. Learners are given information about how to complain if they are not happy about anything. All those apart from one learner who completed our survey forms said they Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 8 of 30 knew how to make a complaint. One learner told us, I dont have any concerns, if I did I would be able to say so. Staff know how to protect people in the event of any allegation and there are designated staff within the college who are responsible for dealing with any safeguarding referrals. Staff were aware of differing kinds of abuse and understood the safeguarding procedures to follow in the event of any allegation, as well as demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of the whistleblowing procedure. A learner told us, I feel totally safe here. The accommodation is designed, altered and upgraded to best meet the needs of the learners, and provide a suitable environment for them to enjoy a student lifestyle. There are suitable arrangements for the disposal of waste products and good practices are followed to prevent the spread of any infection. There are sufficient and suitably trained staff on duty who have been through the required recruitment checks. There is a suitably qualified and experienced management team in place and learners are encouraged to comment on how the college is run. The required health and safety checks and tests to the building and equipment are carried out. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details on page 4. The report of this inspection is available from our website www.cqc.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@cqc.org.uk or by telephoning our order line 0870 240 7535. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 9 of 30 Details of our 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) Outstanding statutory requirements Requirements and recommendations from this inspection Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 10 of 30 Choice of home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People are confident that the care home can support them. This is because there is an accurate assessment of their needs that they, or people close to them, have been involved in. This tells the home all about them, what they hope for and want to achieve, and the support they need. People can decide whether the care home can meet their support and accommodation needs. This is because they, and people close to them, can visit the home and get full, clear, accurate and up to date information. If they decide to stay in the home they know about their rights and responsibilities because there is an easy to understand contract or statement of terms and conditions between the person and the care home that includes how much they will pay and what the home provides for the money. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The assessment and admission process identifies the needs and aspirations of the learners and establishes that these can be met within the college. Evidence: We were told in the assessment they completed, Significant time and effort is spent planning to make admission to the service personal and well managed, Pre admission information is obtained prior to a learner being offered a place and Information is gathered from a range of sources including relevant other professionals, and with the individuals agreement, carers interests are taken into account where appropriate. The Assistant Principal (Support for Learning) and Head of Residential Services described how prospective learners are able to attend a college open day prior to an application/assessment being submitted. Once an application has been received prospective learners are able to come to spend an individually planned period of time at the college, normally for 3 nights, to see whether it would be a suitable placement. Completed survey forms were seen showing a high level of satisfaction learners Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 11 of 30 Evidence: experienced through the referral and assessment process. In our survey forms everyone felt they were provided with sufficient information about the college prior to moving there. Care Department staff said they have the information provided about prospective learners available to them when people come for the planned stays, which they use to provide the support needed. Staff showed they understood the referral and admission process. A learner told us the admission process had been, Daunting at first, until I got to know people. Thats how it is when you go somewhere new. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 12 of 30 Individual needs and choices These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People’s needs and goals are met. The home has a plan of care that the person, or someone close to them, has been involved in making. People are able to make decisions about their life, including their finances, with support if they need it. This is because the staff promote their rights and choices. People are supported to take risks to enable them to stay independent. This is because the staff have appropriate information on which to base decisions. People are asked about, and are involved in, all aspects of life in the home. This is because the manager and staff offer them opportunities to participate in the day to day running of the home and enable them to influence key decisions. People are confident that the home handles information about them appropriately. This is because the home has clear policies and procedures that staff follow. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Learners are encouraged to be in control of their lives, including making informed decisions and taking assessed risks, which enable them to be as independent as possible. Evidence: We were told in the survey they completed that, All learners are provided with an individual plan of care that is reflective of their current needs and aspirations, this has become the colleges One Person One Plan model, where learners needs and choices are recorded and monitored and promoted. Each learner now has one care file to incorporate their learning and living needs and arrangements. These are prepared using an electronic system and can be accessed using a lap top type computer, called a tablet, or a paper copy in a file. There were references seen in care plans to learners being involved in reviewing their care plans with Care Department staff, and care plans gave clear descriptions as to Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 13 of 30 Evidence: how support should be provided, detailing what equipment is required, and that independence, privacy and dignity are all promoted. Staff spoke of supporting learners to achieve identified aims and said they thought the care planning is brilliant, it is easy to follow and they know they can get the information they want. One staff member said she is a keyworker for one learner and that she she had gone through the care plan with the learner, and nothing had been finalised until the learner was happy with it. A learner told us, If I want to look at it (the care plan) I can ask to do so, and have done so. The Head of Residential Services said that whilst learners would in most circumstances have the capacity to make decisions for themselves, they have used the Mental Capacity Act where concerns existed about a learners capacity. Training has been provided to some Care Department staff on the Mental Capacity Act, however some training had to be canceled due to recent bad weather and will be rearranged. Staff said learners are supported to make choices over day to day matters as well as longer term goals, which are included in care plans, and detail the support that is needed to achieve these. Learners will then receive support form appropriate people including physiotherapists, student advisors and tutors. Learners were seen using various communication aids to assist them in making choices and decisions and they are able to express views on the day to day running of their unit and future developments. In our survey forms everyone felt that staff listen and act upon what they say. A learner told us, I am able to say what I want. Staff were aware of the risk assessment procedure, and that all activities should be assessed. They said that senior staff will complete risk assessments, but they have to continually risk assess situations from the moment they start to get people up. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 14 of 30 Lifestyle These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: Each person is treated as an individual and the care home is responsive to his or her race, culture, religion, age, disability, gender and sexual orientation. They can take part in activities that are appropriate to their age and culture and are part of their local community. The care home supports people to follow personal interests and activities. People are able to keep in touch with family, friends and representatives and the home supports them to have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. People are as independent as they can be, lead their chosen lifestyle and have the opportunity to make the most of their abilities. Their dignity and rights are respected in their daily life. People have healthy, well-presented meals and snacks, at a time and place to suit them. People have opportunities to develop their social, emotional, communication and independent living skills. This is because the staff support their personal development. People choose and participate in suitable leisure activities. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Learners are able to make choices about their lifestyle and supported to develop life skills. Meals are very well balanced and cater for cultural and dietary needs of learners. Evidence: Learners have individual timetables showing their educational commitments within the college. Some learners were seen taking part in classroom activities and others having individual sessions. Learners have opportunities to take part in work experience programmes and there is a college shop some learners work in at weekends. Learners are able to attend local and regional events concerning their education. Information gathered through the assessment they completed, comments made by Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 15 of 30 Evidence: staff and learners and records seen show the college actively promotes the importance of respecting learners human rights with fairness, equality, dignity, respect and autonomy. Staff described the educational and social progress made by some learners since coming to the college and one learner said, This is the best college in the country. We were told in the assessment they completed that, Students have opportunities for personal development and can take part in a wide range of peer and culturally appropriate activities and are part of the local community. There are transport arrangements made for learners to be able to go into the local town at the weekend and use is made of local facilities, including Mansfield Town Football Club, local theatres and sports halls. There are also sporting and social facilities within the college campus where learners can socialise and make and maintain friendships. In the assessment they completed it states The SIAG (Student Information, Advice and Guidance) Department is central to the aims and objectives of the college and the promotion of individuals rights to live an ordinary and meaningful life, appropriate to their peer group, in the college, their home environment, and community and enjoy all the rights of citizenship. There has been work undertaken on developing a sex and relationships policy and support is planned for staff so they feel confident and competent to deal with sex and relationship issues. Staff said learners are able to maintain contact with families and friends by phone and social networking sites. Then routines during the week take into account learners education timetable commitments, but they are able to structure weekends to suit themselves, as there are not any restrictions when they can have assistance with personal care. Meals are taken in the large central dinning room, however there are some learners who find the size and noise of this too much, so they select their meals which are then served in a quieter dinning room on one of the living units. Learners are able to select from a wide range of dishes, including hot and cold meals, Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 16 of 30 Evidence: and healthy eating is promoted. Food was well presented and learners said they enjoyed the food served. The dining room has been rearranged following suggestions from learners through their Student Voices programme and the catering manager is present during mealtimes to observe and listen to any comments or suggestions made. During lunchtime learners were able to choose and receive their meals in good time, and where assistance was required this was readily available. The Speech and Language Team were seen present during lunchtime and said they are on hand to advise staff and learners over eating issues. This includes working jointly with staff and learners. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 17 of 30 Personal and healthcare support These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People receive personal support from staff in the way they prefer and want. Their physical and emotional health needs are met because the home has procedures in place that staff follow. If people take medicine, they manage it themselves if they can. If they cannot manage their medicine, the care home supports them with it in a safe way. If people are approaching the end of their life, the care home will respect their choices and help them to feel comfortable and secure. They, and people close to them, are reassured that their death will be handled with sensitivity, dignity and respect, and take account of their spiritual and cultural wishes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Learners receive the health and personal support they require, which is appropriate to their needs. Evidence: We were told in the assessment they completed that, Learners physical and emotional needs are met by trained and competent health and social care professionals. The Nursing department has been restructured to ensure there is a focus on its delivery around health promotion. The nurses continue to ensure safe practices for the storage, disposal and administration of medication supported by external auditors who also provide support and guidance. Staff were head discussing with enthusiasm progress made by individual learners and how one new learner had flourished within the college. Staff spoke of maintaining learners independence where possible and promoting their dignity. Staff said they have the time to provide any personal care properly. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 18 of 30 Evidence: A learner said, I feel happy with the support I have. There are a number of college based healthcare services, including a medical centre, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy. There is also a hydrotherapy pool. Through the colleges own self assessment they have identified health promotion as an area to be developed, and this is planned over the next 12 months. Initiatives that have been introduced so far include learners having a Health Action Plan, which they can take with them on any medical appointments or visits home, and routine appointments with doctors taking place at the surgery rather than in college. Staff said they have access to one of the college nurses, and individual healthcare promotion programmes are identified. There is further support through drop in clinics, such as an epilepsy clinic. Learners can access support on relationships from a support group FRESH (Friendships, Relationships Education and Sexual Health). The Head of Residential Services was identifying what support was required by learners and staff following a recent death within the college. There has been an increase in the number of physiotherapists which the physiotherapy manager said has enabled better and more individual management of caseloads through giving learners a named physiotherapist. Required aids and equipment are obtained, and where necessary assessments are carried out to identify any other resources that would benefit an individual learner. A learner said he had a Health Action Plan and that I have a lot of help to look after my health, I get the help I need. Lockable medication cabinets have been fitted into each learners room. The Head of Residential Services said this has enabled better management of medication by involving learners more in their medication, and in some cases has promoted self medication. It has also reduced the opportunity for any medication errors to occur. Staff who are involved in administering medication have received training on the safe handling and administration of medicines and records seen of medicine administration were fully completed. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 19 of 30 Concerns, complaints and protection These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: If people have concerns with their care, they or people close to them, know how to complain. Their concern is looked into and action taken to put things right. The care home safeguards people from abuse, neglect and self-harm and takes action to follow up any allegations. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. There are systems in place for learners to raise any concerns and staff know how to ensure they are safeguarded. Evidence: We were told in the assessment they completed that, The college has designated staff across the college that are responsible for managing and investigating complaints and concerns and for dealing with safeguarding referrals. The college has ensured all staff are provided with training that reflects current best practice and current local policies and procedures this is during staff induction and as part of college refresher training. It was also stated that there have been seventeen complaints made in the last twelve months, four of which have been upheld. We were told that the ethos of the college is to welcome complaints and learners views are taken seriously. Staff were aware of the procedure for making a complaint and said they would ensure that if any complaints were made these were passed on to a manager. There are systems for learners to raise any issues they have through student councils and have your say forums. In our survey forms eleven people said they knew who to speak to if they were not happy and knew how to make a complaint, and one person said they did not. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 20 of 30 Evidence: A learner told us, I dont have any concerns, if I did I would be able to say so. Staff have been provided with training on promoting learners safety and there is a Portland watch scheme, and close circuit television installed to promote a safe environment. Learners are made aware of how to promote their own and others safety on an individual and group basis. There are designated staff within the college who are responsible for dealing with any safeguarding referrals who have developed links with the local Safeguarding Board. Staff showed an awareness of the different types of abuse people may face, and understood the safeguarding procedures to follow in the event of any allegation. Staff were aware of whistleblowing procedures, and some were aware of what happens once an allegation has been reported. There have been eighteen safeguarding referrals and investigations made in the last twelve months, and we undertook a random inspection following an allegation made to us that learners were being put to bed too early. Our visit was made in the evening and did not find any evidence to support the allegation. A learner told us, I feel totally safe here. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 21 of 30 Environment These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People stay in a safe and well-maintained home that is homely, clean, comfortable, pleasant and hygienic. People stay in a home that has enough space and facilities for them to lead the life they choose and to meet their needs. The home makes sure they have the right specialist equipment that encourages and promotes their independence. Their room feels like their own, it is comfortable and they feel safe when they use it. People have enough privacy when using toilets and bathrooms. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Learners have comfortable and clean accomodation to live in, that is suitable to their needs. Evidence: It was stated in the assessment they completed that, The SIAG (Student Information Advice and Guidance) team with the help of the Domestic Hospitality team and Estates team have ensured that the physical environment provides for the individual requirements of the people who use the service who live there. In our previous inspection report we wrote, The college campus has been designed for people with physical disabilities and continues to be upgraded and modified over time to meet the changing needs of students and to comply with Disability Discrimination requirements. This comment continues to reflect the position within the college, where changes, improvements and adaptations are made to accommodate the needs of individual and groups of learners. Examples seen included new tracking hoists in some bedrooms, an electronically opening bedroom door to enable a learner to independently access his room, refurbished shower rooms and improved access to the nursing area. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 22 of 30 Evidence: Staff said they felt the accommodation was well designed and there are continual upgrades of furniture and fixtures. In our survey forms everyone said the college is kept fresh and clean. Staff said they have received training in infection control, and they follow practices to promote this, including those for disposal of waste and laundry. A learner told us, We are well protected from any infection. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 23 of 30 Staffing These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have safe and appropriate support as there are enough competent, qualified staff on duty at all times. They have confidence in the staff at the home because checks have been done to make sure that they are suitable. People’s needs are met and they are supported because staff get the right training, supervision and support they need from their managers. People are supported by an effective staff team who understand and do what is expected of them. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. There are sufficient staff available to meet learners needs and they are provided with the training they require to do this. People are protected by the colleges recruitment practices. Evidence: We were told in the assessment they completed that, The service is proactive rather than reactive in its staffing, recruitment and training, with planning for the potential needs of people who may use the service in the future. The results of this is a diverse staff team that has a balance of all the skills, knowledge and experience to meet peoples needs. There is evidence that they demonstrate a thorough understanding of the particular needs of individuals, and can deliver highly effective person centred care and support. Staff and learners said there were sufficient staff on duty to meet peoples needs and in our surveys everyone said they were treated well by staff. The files for some new staff were seen and these contained the required pre employment checks . It was stated on the assessment they completed that all staff who have started work in the last 12 months had satisfactory pre employment checks carried out. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 24 of 30 Evidence: Staff spoke positively of the training made available to them, and said they are able to suggest training they need and efforts are made to provide this. Certificates are provided for all training undertaken so staff have their own training portfolio. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 25 of 30 Conduct and management of the home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have confidence in the care home because it is run and managed appropriately. People’s opinions are central to how the home develops and reviews their practice, as the home has appropriate ways of making sure they continue to get things right. The environment is safe for people and staff because health and safety practices are carried out. People get the right support from the care home because the manager runs it appropriately, with an open approach that makes them feel valued and respected. They are safeguarded because the home follows clear financial and accounting procedures, keeps records appropriately and makes sure staff understand the way things should be done. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The college is managed in an open and respectful manner, and there are effective systems in place to improve the services provided and promote peoples health and safety. Evidence: The registered manager is part of the senior management team of the college. The registered manager is supported by a Head of Residential Services and a Quality and Standards Manager. There is then a manager and staff team allocated to each unit. Staff said they were happy with the management arrangements and said they felt well supported. Staff said the managers go out of their way to give good support and are approachable. The registered manager said that one of the strengths of the college is the management of staff with support provided through induction, training, supervision and staff forums. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 26 of 30 Evidence: Learners were seen speaking with the registered manager and Head of Residential Services in a relaxed manner, and it was apparent they enjoyed good relationships. There were details provided in our assessment they completed about the quality assurance systems used within the college and how learners are involved in contributing to these. During the visit several documents were seen showing how information is gathered about the services provided and how these are continually improved in line with changing needs and circumstances. It was also shown how other departments within the college contribute to the continual improvement of services provided within the college. The assessment we ask the provider to complete and send back to us was returned on time. The information contained in this was detailed, included the views of learners and reflected what we saw when we visited. Great emphasis is placed on promoting safety within the college and when on trips out. This includes detailed risk assessments of all activities and introducing measures based on experiences. When one learner touched a hot water pipe when using a shower, strategies were quickly put into place to prevent this from reoccurring. We were told in the assessment they completed that equipment in the home has been serviced or tested as recommended by the manufacturer or other regulatory body. Dates provided showed this to be correct. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 27 of 30 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 28 of 30 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection: Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service. No Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 29 of 30 Helpline: Telephone: 03000 616161 Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk Web: www.cqc.org.uk We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. Copyright © (2009) Care Quality Commission (CQC). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. 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