The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated the quality of care provided by the National Star College - Ullenwood care home as Outstanding.
The National Star College is a College of Further Education, providing residential accommodation for up to 88 students with physical disabilities and/or acquired brain injuries alongside associated learning, behavioural, sensory and medical difficulties. The main campus is based at Ullenwood Manor, Cheltenham situated in extensive grounds, above Cheltenham town centre.
Under CQC’s new programme of inspections, all adult social care services are being given a rating according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. Since October 2014, CQC has published ratings on more than 6,500 adult social care services.
A full report of the inspection has been published today at: www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-139161062.
Deborah Ivanova, Interim Deputy Chief Inspector for Adult Social Care in the South, said:
“We found that the National Star College was providing an outstanding service to the people it supported and to their families, and the team there should be extremely proud of the work they do. It is particularly pleasing to note the many positive comments from people using the service and the focus on providing person centered care at all times.
“It is very clear that the National Star College has adopted some innovative practice. Staff act with utmost professionalism and management are dedicated to providing a safe, compassionate and high quality service. It is for this and many other reasons that the service has received the highest rating we can give.”
During the unannounced inspection in June 2015, CQC found people’s experience of their care and support was overwhelmingly positive. They were involved in the planning and reviewing of their care records and took pride in being able to direct their care. They discussed and shaped the activities they wished to take part in and were listened to about increasing activities at the college over the weekend.
Inspectors found people were empowered to make choices to improve their quality of life and to find creative ways of helping them through their journey to adult hood.
People’s backgrounds and life stories were explored during their assessment and initial days at college. Preferences and routines which were important to them were highlighted and included into their care records. Staff commented that although this information was important it was vital they revisited and reviewed people’s wishes and needs in light of the new experiences they were having at college.
Inspectors observed people were protected by exceptional systems to recognise and report suspected abuse. Safeguarding procedures were based on national guidance such as the governments’ guidance “No Secrets” and “Safeguarding children and young people”.
In response to their training needs, the National Star Foundation had established their own training department, accredited by City and Guilds and approved by a local authority to deliver training to staff from the college and also staff from other organisations.
People using the college had also taken part in a project with a film company to be broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC 3) showcasing their experiences of life at college and changing public attitude towards disability. One person said, “We are so excited about this project”.
The visions and values of the National Star Foundation were embedded in every aspect of college life. People were treated as equals and took control of their lives as far as possible. The college and staff had been recognised nationally for their exceptionally good care.
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For further information, please contact Jade Quittenton, Regional Engagement Officer on 0191 2333349. Journalists wishing to speak to the press office outside of office hours can find out how to contact the team here. Please note: the press office is unable to advise members of the public on health or social care matters.
For general enquiries, please call 03000 61 61 61.
Find out more
Read reports from our checks on the standards at National Star College - Ullenwood.