26 May 2016
During a routine inspection
At the time of the inspection the college had a registered manager in post although they told us they were due to leave the service shortly. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run. The college principal confirmed with us they had appointed a new manager to run the service. The new manager was in the process of applying to the Care Quality Commission to become the registered manager.
Students said they felt safe and that staff treated them well. Appropriate recruitment checks took place before staff started work. Safeguarding adult’s and children’s procedures were robust and staff understood how to safeguard the people they supported from abuse. There was a whistle-blowing procedure available and staff said they would use it if they needed to. Medicines were managed appropriately and students received their medicines as prescribed by health care professionals.
Staff had completed training specific to the needs of people using the service and they received regular supervision and an annual appraisal with a mid year review. The manager and staff had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Students were being supported to have a balanced diet. Students had access to a GP and other health care professionals when they needed them.
Staff spoke to students in a respectful and dignified manner and respected their privacy. Students and their relatives had been consulted about their care and support needs. Students were provided with information about the college and they were aware of the services and facilities available to them.
Student’s care and support needs were assessed and there were appropriate guidelines in place advising staff how to support them. Transition processes were in place that ensured students received consistent, planned, coordinated care and support when moved between different services. There was a range of appropriate activities available for students to enjoy. Students and their relatives knew about the college complaints procedure and said they were confident their complaints would be fully investigated and action taken if necessary.
The provider sought the views of students through student meetings and surveys. They recognised the importance of regularly monitoring the quality of the service they provided. Students were supported by a well-established staff team and staff said they enjoyed working at the college. There was an out of hours on call system in operation that ensured management support and advice was always available when they needed it.