The Care Quality Commission
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Archived: Lindeth College

The Oaks, Lindeth, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NH (015394) 46265

Provided and run by:
Specialised Courses Offering Purposeful Education Limited

All Inspections

12 October 2012

During a routine inspection

In this college environment people who used the service were referred to as students, and asked that we used this term for the report. There were 17 residential students and 3 day students when we visited. The principal explained that the college had been taken over by The Priory Group in April 2012. Since then the main change was the reduction in student numbers while improvements were underway on the student living accommodation. All students now live in small houses of two to five students in the grounds of the college.

We observed students being very relaxed and 'at home'. Sharing conversations with each other and with staff about how their day had been. We saw students were being skilfully supported to make drinks and an evening meal. Students were also being helped to make decisions on what to do that evening; some people were going out to the pub, while others were going to spend time in the college's computer room.

Students told us that there were always plenty of staff available to offer support, and staff were easy to approach and helped them to gain and develop new skills. They told us: 'I love it here, it's great having so many friends. The staff are really great; they help me to sort any problems out.' Another said, 'You get to chose what to do in your spare time'.

Students were actively encouraged to choose what they wanted to do from a full range of activities both within the college and also to access community activities.