Eastleigh College (College House)

Eastleigh College (College House) Inspection report for Further Education College

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Unique reference number SC061273 Inspection date 16/03/2011 Inspector Gavin Thomas Type of inspection Key

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Setting address Shepherds Lane, Compton, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2AB

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Telephone number 01962 712 816 Email chouse@eastleigh.ac.uk Registered person Eastleigh College (College House) Head/Principal Tracey McAdam Nominated person Tony Lau-Walker Date of last inspection 30/01/2008 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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You can obtain copies of The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters and The National Minimum Standards for Children’s Services from: The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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About this inspection

This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for the service.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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Brief description of the service

College House is a residential educational facility operated by Eastleigh College offering a 24 hour curriculum for 14 young people of mixed gender aged between 16 and 19 years of age with moderate learning difficulties. It is open from Monday to Friday during the main College term time. Students are in residence from Monday evening until Friday morning, returning home for weekends and holidays.

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Brief description of the service

Running for more than 20 years, it is the only residential unit of its kind nationally that is attached to a mainstream General Vocational Further Educational College. All College House residents are students on Eastleigh College's 'Skills for independence and work' course. It is run over two years for school leavers with moderate learning difficulties who wish to develop their all-round confidence and essential skills. The course concentrates on life, literacy, numeracy, ICT, and work related skills to support students as they make the transition into adulthood.

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Brief description of the service

College House is situated in a semi-rural setting six miles from the main college site. It concentrates on providing the holistic support that the students need in order to develop the necessary skills required to work towards increasing independence based on their individual needs.

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Brief description of the service

There are six single and four shared bedrooms. One single bedroom has been adapted with en suite facilities designed for students with limited mobility. There are also two independent living flats within the house, which individual students can access for varying periods. When in the flats, students plan menus, purchase their own food, cook for themselves and clean. They also arrange and prepare a number of social events by inviting guests for an evening meal.

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Brief description of the service

At the time of this inspection, 14 students were resident and all took part in the inspection process.

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Summary

The overall quality rating is outstanding.

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Summary

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Summary

This was a full inspection which was announced at very short notice. All of the key national minimum standards under the Every Child Matters outcomes and organisation were assessed. The recommendation from the previous inspection in January 2008 was also followed up.

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Summary

The 'whole college' approach provides a seamless service to students. Consultation with students is one for the outstanding features of this service. Strategies for consulting with students ensure that they are well represented on various forums and their views are taken seriously.

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Summary

Management systems are robust and evolving to promote and sustain best practice. The quality of documentation and evidence of student support is exemplary. Two areas of significant development since the last inspection are self evaluation and monitoring processes.

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Summary

Everyone involved with students and their welfare speak overwhelmingly about this service. Parents in particular comment on the efficiency of the staff team, their satisfaction with students' progress and outcomes which exceed their expectations.

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Summary

Students say they are very happy at College House. They speak very highly of opportunities which are helping them become more aware of life skills and the reality of independence as they transition into adulthood. Examples include safety awareness activities, developing their social skills and active participation in the community.

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Summary

Students summarise their experiences as 'the best place ever', 'it's great' and 'I'm learning to live on my own'.

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Summary

The outcomes of interviews, discussions, observations and assessment of documentation, demonstrates the success of this service and positive outcomes for students.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, a recommendation was made to improve environmental safety by upgrading some of the windows. This recommendation has been fully implemented and has improved all-round safety. Replacement windows have also extended to the first floor.

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Helping children to be healthy

Procedures and practices for the administration of medications and first aid are followed consistently. Parents are familiar with procedural guidance and required to give consents for emergency medical treatments. Policies on medical intervention are strictly adhered to and this information is disseminated effectively throughout the college. All staff have valid first aid certificates and procedures for recording accidents and injuries are robust. Appropriate facilities are provided for the safe storage of medications. Staff are vigilant in ensuring that medication administration records are up to date. These records are also monitored for quality control purposes. Arrangements for the exchange of medications between family homes and College House are well established and work well in practice. However, there are no written records of medications received or returned to family homes. Staff attend relevant training to ensure students safety. This includes training in the use of an epi

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Helping children to be healthy

pen. Holistic and vigorous assessments are undertaken with all students prior to offer of a placement at College House. This includes in-depth health related assessments. Parents and students are included in these assessments as much as possible. In doing so, this enables staff to prevent inconsistencies or inadequate services. Parents say that they are extremely satisfied with ways in which management and staff intervene to support students' health needs. Health related records are robust and written to a very high standard. The robustness of records demonstrates the whole college approach to ensuring that students' holistic health needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Students say they that they 'love' the food at College House. Food preparation and cooking is an activity which all students enjoy. The atmosphere in the kitchen during meal preparation is unquestionable. Students are eager to experiment with new dishes. They take pride in preparing meals and are proud of their achievements. Parents praise this opportunity which they say is having a very positive impact on how students perceive and relate to food and diet. Staff place great emphasis on student participation in menu planning and teaching students about personal safety in the kitchen. This integrated approach enables students to progress successfully to the independence flats where they continue to develop a wide range of life skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The emphasis placed on countering bullying throughout the college is effective. This is demonstrated through students' awareness of the various types of bullying including cyber bullying. The methodology used for reinforcing anti-bullying behaviours is structured and introduced at levels which are appropriate to students' understanding. For example, exposure to the internet and use of social sites is managed in ways to educate students in their preparation towards more independent living. An abundance of information is accessible to students on countering bullying. This is given to students at the start of their placement. It is also vividly displayed at College House. Students say they have no concerns regarding bullying.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Extensive work is undertaken across the college to ensure student safety and protection, including the monitoring of practice through various committees. The safeguarding training undertaken by staff and facilitated by the college is wide ranging and student focused. In addition, staff are given opportunities to develop their understanding of wider issues through in-house training and forums. Documentation relating to safeguarding and protection is comprehensive. Student safety is embedded within the ethos of the college. For example, this is evident through risk management, recruitment processes, the matching of placements and supervision of students. Students say they feel safe in the college environment and at College House because staff care about them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Management report that physical restraint is not permitted. Forms of reasonable intervention and diffusion techniques are set out in a written policy and associated procedural guidance. All staff across the college are required to adhere to these guidelines. Sanctions are extremely rare and no sanctions have been imposed at College House since the last inspection. Behavioural management is dealt with sensitively and students' backgrounds and circumstances are carefully considered at all times. Parents and students are included decision-making processes. This contributes to the college's transparent approach when supporting students through difficult situations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Students say they are happy at this college and their residence. Observations of interactions among students and staff confirm this. Students are very aware of the complaints procedure. Students say that they would not hesitate to speak to the manager, the staff or their parents if they were worried or had any concerns. There have been no complaints since the last inspection. Parents are satisfied with the information they receive on how to make a complaint. However, currently they do not have any concerns about service provisions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Students are familiar with fire safety and evacuation procedures. This staff say is taken very seriously by all students and fire drills take place at all times of the day. Fire drills take place at least monthly and this exceeds the frequency as set out in the national minimum standard. Vigorous processes are in place for ensuring student, staff and visitors' safety. This includes regular visual checks of fire fighting equipment, the testing of the fire detection equipment and routine checks undertaken by approved contractors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Students and their parents share similar views about privacy arrangements. They speak highly of the arrangements in place for respecting students' privacy and confirm that this is not compromised in any way. Some students are very pleased that their wishes to share bedrooms have been acknowledged. Students are respectful towards each other. They do this by knocking on private doors and are very aware of personal spaces. Staff are respectful towards students' privacy and confidentiality. This is reinforced through data protection, conversations with and on behalf of students and the safe storage of confidential records. A policy is in place for ensuring that students' privacy is respected in the event that conducting a room search was necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Recruitment and selection procedures are vigorous and the depth of screening and vetting deters potential abusers from gaining access to students. There has been no new staff appointed to College House since the last inspection. However, recruitment records examined, demonstrates full compliance with the national minimum standard. In addition, robust systems are in place for monitoring the renewal of suitability checks such as Criminal Records Bureau checks. Staff involved in the recruitment processes attend updated training on best practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Students are not exposed to unauthorised adults. Visitors are appropriately vetted and positive proof of identity is required from visitors before gaining access to the building. Students are appropriately supervised and report that they feel safe at College House. Staff report that the security and monitoring of the premise is effective in practice. The thoroughness of risk management is a strong basis for ensuing that students are safe but not restricted from engaging in learning opportunities. Risk assessments relating to students activities are wide ranging and considers all potential risks. The openings of windows on the first floor are restricted for maximising student safety. All other types of risk assessments ensure that the premises, grounds and high risk areas are carefully monitored.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Student support is exemplary and accessible in a variety of forms. Counselling, key working, tutorials and consistency of staff in residence are examples of how students are supported at all times of the day. The emphasis placed on assessment and transition creates an environment which enables students to achieve their goals successfully. Matters such as home sickness, coping in group environments and embarking on new challenges are supported sensitively. The culture of this college embraces transparency and an environment whereby students can access services without fear or concern. The rapport between staff and students is strong. This enables students to confidently express their feelings and needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Anti-discriminatory practice and attitudes are integral to college life. A range of initiatives and the cross-college approach supports this. Staff are kept abreast of best practice though attending a range of training courses. Equality and diversity is also taken very seriously with students at interview and throughout the duration of their placement. Relevant information is accessible to students and individual needs are addressed through student support services. In addition, students attend a range of forums which help raise their awareness about equality and diversity issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Consultation with, and on behalf of, students is extensive and wide ranging. This whole team effort across the college ensures that students are engaged in meaningful discussions and debates regarding their care, welfare and education. Popular groups include student representation on the steering group, the 'coffee and chat mornings' and the 'decorating group'. Students say they enjoy being consulted on matters such as menu planning, activities and planning for their independence. Key working is central to many aspects of students affairs. Parents say that methods of consultation exceed their expectations. As a result, both them and the students are never exempt from key decision-making processes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Contact with parents and families is effective. Strong links are established with families before, during and in some cases, following a student's placement. Parents say that the frequency and manner of contact gives them reassurance, particularly at the start of residential placements at College House. Students have access to a payphone. However, mobile phones are increasingly popular with students. All staff involved in student assessment and selection processes for residence at College House are committed to ensuring that this is a positive experience for all students. The holistic approach to assessing and offering students a placement is effective in practice. Students also benefit immensely from the continuous work undertaken by staff that evaluate and plan their transitions at the end of the two year placement. These processes have evolved since the last inspection. For instance, forms of 'outreach' work are proving successful for some students who

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Helping children make a positive contribution

move onto semi or supported living. Parents summarise placement arrangements as 'outstanding' and 'impressive'. Parents are extremely positive about the two year programme and the many opportunities offered to students during this time. The college's own quality assurance processes have identified areas of change for developing placement arrangements. Students describe their initial experiences of College House as 'welcoming' and 'friendly'.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The accommodation has many contributing factors which helps create a comfortable and practical environment. Students are very pleased about the options of single and shared bedrooms. The two self-contained flats situated on the first floor provides opportunities for students to practice the skills they are taught earlier on in their placement. Students can relate to the benefits of staying in the flats and examples of their experiences include: making constructive use of their time; safety awareness; developing social skills; and learning how to budget. The choice of two lounge areas, a dining room and a student office, provides ample space for ensuring that students are not confined to restricted areas.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

Student accommodation is situated on the ground and first floors. The ground floor bedroom has en suite shower and toilet facilities. These facilities are adapted and suitable for students with limited mobility. The overall numbers of bathing and toilet facilities exceed the ratio as set out in National Minimum Standard 40. Students say there are no issues regarding their privacy when using bathing or toilet facilities. These facilities are currently split for separate use by both sexes.

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Organisation

The Statement of Principles and practices are explicit in a range of documents accessible to students and everyone interested in their welfare. Supporting evidence issued to students is clear and concise. This includes the varying support and services available throughout the college. In addition to booklets, key information is vividly displayed in the students office for easy access.

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Organisation

Robust management processes are in place for ensuring that risk assessments and quality of records are maintained to a high standard. These processes are achieved through the vigorous checks and monitoring undertaken by the manager and delegated staff. Recorded information is used effectively to influence change and for evaluating outcomes for students. Significant work is being done since the last inspection for further developing quality assurance and monitoring systems.

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Organisation

Students and their parents speak extremely highly of their relationships with all staff. The staff team is small, but stable and consistent. Staff are self-motivated and very enthusiastic about their work with the students. The deployment of staff ensures that staffing ratios reflect students' needs for organised trips and off-site learning activities. The supervision of students is risk assessed and additional staffing is arranged when required. In addition, risk management strategies take into account the expectations that students will develop independence skills in structured and well-managed environments.

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Organisation

All staff are confident about their roles and responsibilities. Induction and professional development opportunities for staff are comprehensive and wide ranging. Staff attend mandatory training and refresher courses which are relevant to their development and involvement with the students. Staff conduct and performance is evaluated and supported through team events, regular supervisions and annual appraisals. Staff say that these processes are purposeful and engaging. Documentation supporting staff development such as induction programmes, training records and appraisal systems are comprehensive and kept up to date.

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Organisation

Students are supported by a staff team who are suitably qualified and have a wealth of experience. The combination of experiences and expertise throughout the college contributes to students' confidence and motivation to successfully complete the two year residential placements. This includes consistency in implementing practice and effective communication with students and their families. Staff have access to an abundance of information and procedural guidance in support of their day-to-day work. This includes an up-to date staff handbook, access to policies and procedures and the college data base. Staff have no concerns about the support they receive on welfare practice. Staff are familiar with core practices such as safeguarding, working with students and families and upholding the Statement of Principles through their direct work with students.

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Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding. This is evident in all of the Every Child Matters outcomes and organisation. The depth of work undertaken for ensuring that individual needs are met is remarkable. Students are thriving as a result of securing a placement at the college with a residential placement at College House. Parents are elated with what their sons and daughters are achieving as a result of their residential placements. Management and staff are committed to ensuing that students are supported in a non-judgemental environment. As a result, students are making strides in many ways. They are growing in confidence, competence and discovering more about their capabilities. The diversity of students' needs is highly respected and supported in meaningful of ways.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 review medication records to include the receipt and return of medications. (NMS 14.9)

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