This inspection was carried out to ensure improvements had been made following our last inspection in December 2011. We did not speak with any students during this visit as they were attending a planned sports event in Yeovil. We spoke with staff members and looked at a selection of records. We also reviewed the provider's action plan produced following the last inspection which explained how and when improvements were to be made. People who used this service were known as students and this term has been used in this report.We last visited this service following a serious incident which occurred between two students two weeks into the new college term in September 2011. There had been no serious incidents of this nature since our last inspection.
When we last visited we found that student's care records did not clearly describe the care they needed when they started their course and the risks to students were not properly assessed or planned for.
We looked at five people's care records at this visit. These showed that care plans had been thoroughly reviewed to ensure they reflected people's care and support needs and gave staff clear guidance on how to support them. Where students were at risk, this was now highlighted in their care plan and detailed risk assessments were in place. The assessment process for prospective students had also been improved.
When we last visited we found students were not always protected from abuse or the risk of abuse or always protected from the negative effects of others' behaviour. If students needed support with their behaviours, their initial care plans did not provide guidance for staff to follow. This meant that people were at risk of receiving inappropriate care.
We looked at five people's care records at this visit. These showed that care records had been updated or added to where this had been necessary. Risk assessments had been reviewed along with other relevant strategies, such as guidelines to support students who presented aggressive or difficult behaviour.
There was a focus on students whose behaviour may have had a negative effect on others or those who may place themselves at significant risk. We saw that some prospective students had their application declined because of this.
When we last visited we found that students could not always be confident that events that affect their welfare and safety were reported to us so that action could be taken where this was needed.
During this visit we noted the college's reporting processes had been improved and that a senior manager within the organisation would continue to oversee this. We have received notifications since the last inspection advising us of significant events within the college and the action staff had taken. There had been no events which should have been reported to us and had not been.