Setting

Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.do c Version 5.2 Page 1 FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGE

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Lead Inspector Dennis Bradley Key Announced Inspection 5th June 2006 10:00 Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.do c Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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• Put the people who use social care first • Improve services and stamp out bad practice • Be an expert voice on social care • Practise what we preach in our own organisation

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Reader Information Document Purpose Inspection Report Author CSCI Audience General Public Further copies from 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Internet address www.csci.org.uk Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.do c Version 5.2 Page 3 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Further Education Colleges. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained 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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Every Child Matters, outlined the government’s vision for children’s services and formed the basis of the Children Act 2004. It provides a framework for inspection so that children’s services should be judged on their contribution to the outcomes considered essential to wellbeing in childhood and later life. Those outcomes are: • Being healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and achieving • Making a contribution; and • Achieving economic wellbeing.

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In response, the Commission for Social Care Inspection has re-ordered the national minimum standards for children’s services under the five outcomes, for reporting purposes. A further section has been created under ‘Management’ to cover those issues that will potentially impact on all the outcomes above.

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Copies of Every Child Matters and The Children Act 2004 are available from The Stationery Office as above. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.do c Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of college

Address Ponteland Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0AQ

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college

Name of Principal Ms Pauline Piddington (Acting Principal)

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inspection

16 th June 2003 Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.do c Version 5.2 Page 5

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Brief Description of the College:

Northumberland College is the only further education college in the county. It has a catchment area that extends over 60 miles north from the outskirts of Tyneside to the Scottish border, and from the east coast over 70 miles west. Because the College attracts students under 18 from such a wide catchment area the halls of residence are an important and valued part of the College’s provision for many students. The College’s main site is at Ashington and, in addition to Kirkley Hall there are sites at Blyth, Amble and Berwick upon Tweed.

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Brief Description of the College:

Northumberland College merged with Kirkley Hall College in January 2000. The Kirkley Hall campus has a long history of providing training in countryside related subjects and the College runs farms on a commercial basis. The Campus includes machinery workshops, an equine centre, a learning resource centre, a student bar and sports hall and four halls of residence, one of which was not being used to accommodate students. The hall of residence used to accommodate students under 18 consists of a three-storey extension to the original Kirkley Hall. The campus is situated in attractive grounds and is approximately three miles from the nearest town of Ponteland. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.do c Version 5.2 Page 6

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SUMMARY

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

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SUMMARY

This inspection was announced and the main visits took place over two days. Questionnaires were sent to the College to be issued to students, parents and staff. Responses were received from 1 student, their parent and 1 member of staff. The inspector interviewed a number of staff including: the Acting Principal, the Learner Support Manager, warden staff, personal tutors and the caretakers. The inspector also had a discussion with a group of students. The premises were inspected as a sample of records.

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SUMMARY

The Commission has identified the key National Minimum Standards that must be assessed during each inspection. These standards, which relate to the rights, health, welfare, safety and protection of young people, have been assessed during this inspection. Additional standards were assessed where they were the subject of a recommendation arising from the previous inspection of the College.

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What the college does well:

These are some of the ways that the College does well in accommodating students under 18: • The wardens actively supervise students and the students said that they felt safe living in the Halls; • Northumberland College has developed the warden service on the campus since the merge with Kirkley Hall College and there was a clear leadership and management structure in place in relation to the residential provision; • The communication between students and staff appeared to be positive; • Students had formal and informal opportunities to express their views regarding their accommodation and welfare support; • There was a clear policy, implemented in practice, regarding dealing with bullying behaviour; • The College has a programme of self assessment in respect of its residential and student welfare practice; • There was a range of support mechanisms in place to support individual students; • Each student is assigned a personal tutor and students said they could

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What the college does well:

go to their personal tutor if they had any problems or needed advice; • Effective arrangements were in place to monitor the attendance of students at classes and course activities; • Communication between the staff and the students’ parents appeared to be good; • There was a clear student disciplinary procedure that was implemented in practice. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.do c Version 5.2 Page 7

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The kitchens on the halls had been fitted with new units. The toilet and shower areas had been re-furbished. New windows had been installed.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

There was an induction programme for new warden staff. This included fire instruction and training in the College’s child protection procedures. These procedures were in draft form and had been developed following consultation with the local Area Child Protection Committee.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The wardens now provided waking night cover and there had been additional CCTV provided to improve security on the campus. Additional lighting had also been provided to make it safer for students when in the grounds of the campus.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

A new student common room had been opened. This had computers and a TV as well as a microwave cooker and kettle, so that students could make simple meals to eat communally.

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What they could do better:

Listed below are some of the ways that the College should do better in respect of the accommodation of students under 18:

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What they could do better:

• Develop the existing recruitment process in respect of all staff and volunteers who work with students under 18; • Ensure that appropriate CRB checks are carried out in respect of agency staff working at the College; • Improve the standard of the décor, furniture and fittings in the residential accommodation and common room; • Review the arrangements for cleaning the halls to ensure they are maintained to a satisfactory standard of cleanliness and to avoid unnecessarily intruding on student’s privacy; • Adapt the premises to enable disabled students to be accommodated in the hall of residence • Develop and deliver a programme of organised evening activities for students; • Provide warden staff with opportunities for further training; • Ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to comply with the guidance and recommendations of the Fire Authority, in respect of fire precautions.

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What they could do better:

Please contact the Principal for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8

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CONTENTS

Recommended Actions identified during the inspection Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• Under-age drinking, substance abuse and possession of obscene material by students are appropriately countered.(NMS 6) • Students receive first aid and health care as necessary.(NMS 14) • Students are adequately supervised when ill.(NMS 15) • Students are supported in relation to any health or personal problems.(NMS 16) • Students receive good quality catering provision.(NMS 22) • Students have access to food and drinking water in addition to main meals.(NMS 23) • Students are suitably accommodated when ill.(NMS 43)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Quality in this outcome area was adequate. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Staff provided appropriate support and guidance to students where there were concerns about their welfare. The wardens acted quickly to ensure that students received suitable medical attention when necessary. The arrangements for ensuring that the wardens were trained in first aid were not satisfactory. This meant that the students might not receive prompt and appropriate first aid when needed. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10

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EVIDENCE:

Students were registered on a temporary basis with a GP practice in nearby Ponteland. They could make and attend medical appointments independently. Doctors from the practice will visit students at the campus if required.

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EVIDENCE:

The College did not have a designated nurse. It is the College’s policy that wardens are provided with first aid training. 2 of the 3 wardens did not have up to date first aid training. This was arranged for September 2006.

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EVIDENCE:

Students looked after and administered their own medication. First aid administered to students was recorded in the Accident Record. During the previous 12 months 8 accidents had been recorded. These included accidents to staff and students aged over 18 years. The records indicated that the warden staff acted quickly to ensure students received medical attention when needed. The records did not include any outcome when students were taken to hospital.

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EVIDENCE:

When applying for a residential place, students are asked to give details of any medical condition they may have. None of the students had any special medical or personal care needs. It was evident from discussion with staff that students who were homesick were provided with appropriate support. Support was available at the college for students who might be going through a period of personal stress. There were examples of warden staff referring students to their personal tutors and the Counsellor when they had concerns about their welfare. The wardens had had ‘in house’ training on how to recognise potential suicidal behaviour.

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EVIDENCE:

There was no protocol concerning communication between warden staff and personal tutors where there were concerns about a student’s welfare. The wardens said communication was sometimes only one way. The Principal advised that arrangements were being put in place to improve this communication. This could include increasing the involvement of tutors in the halls of residence and involving wardens in course team meetings. In one case where there had been concerns about a student, there was no personal plan outlining the contribution to be made by the wardens in safeguarding and promoting their welfare.

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EVIDENCE:

Mental Health Awareness training had been arranged for College staff but warden staff would have to attend this in their own time, and unpaid. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Drinking water was available from washbasin taps in student bedrooms and taps in the kitchens of the hall of residence. Students interviewed said that the water was cloudy, often brown and usually warm. Some said it was undrinkable. The College Estates Manager had confirmed that the water to the washbasins was of drinking quality.

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EVIDENCE:

The kitchens in the hall of residence were small and this had been identified as a potential hazard because of the risk of spillages and burns. There was a small cooker hob and a microwave on each floor. Students said that this was not sufficient, especially when there were over 20 students on one floor. Dining facilities were not available in the Halls. This meant students normally ate the meals they prepared in their own bedrooms. Because of the swing doors on the bedroom corridors there was a risk that students could be injured when carrying food they had prepared, particularly if it was hot food. A common room had recently been opened in a porta-cabin next to the hall of residence. This had been equipped with a microwave and kettle so that students could prepare simple meals and eat communally.

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EVIDENCE:

New kitchen units had recently been installed in both kitchens in the hall of residence. The walls and floor in the first floor kitchen were unclean as was the refrigerator. There was no lid for the refuse bin. 2 of the students said their parents had told them not to use the kitchen until it was clean. The kitchen on the second floor was also unclean, the walls were pitted and stained and the dining chairs were also in a poor condition. The refrigerator was very dirty with rotten food spilled on the bottom shelf. Students were not using the fridge and instead were storing perishables, such as salad cream and spreads, in the cupboards. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• Students are protected from bullying and harassment.(NMS 2) • Students are protected from abuse.(NMS 3) • Use of discipline with students is fair and appropriate.(NMS 4) • Students’ complaints are adequately responded to.(NMS 5) • Students are protected from the risk of fire.(NMS 24) • The welfare of any young people accommodated by the college other than its own students is safeguarded and promoted.(NMS 26) • Students’ safety and welfare are protected during high risk activities.(NMS 27) • Students’ personal privacy is respected.(NMS 33) • There is careful selection and vetting of all staff and volunteers working with residential students.(NMS 34) • Students are protected from unsupervised contact with adults who have not been, subject to the college’s complete recruitment checking procedures.(NMS 35) • Students have their own living accommodation, secure from public intrusion.(NMS 37) • Any security or surveillance measures provide security to protect

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

students without compromising their privacy.(NMS 38) • Students are given reasonable protection from safety hazards.(NMS 42)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

2, 3, 4, 5, 24, 27, 33, 34, 35, 37, & 42.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Quality in this outcome area was adequate. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. There were suitable arrangements in place to protect students from bullying and harassment. All of the students spoken to said they were not being bullied. Steps had been taken to provide a safe environment for students to live in. The arrangements for responding to recommendations made by the Fire Authority were not satisfactory and did not adequately protect students from the risk of fire. The checks carried out on staff were not satisfactory and did not adequately protect young people from potential abusers. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13

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EVIDENCE:

In the group discussion all of the students said that there was no bullying at the College. The College had an Anti Bullying Policy. Earlier in the year action had been take to raise the awareness of students about bullying and the need to tell staff of any incidents. The College Counsellor had also provided training to staff about recognising and dealing with bullying. Staff had differing views about the level of bullying between students. There were no risk assessments regarding the times, places and circumstances in which the risk of bullying is greatest.

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EVIDENCE:

The College had a draft Child Protection Policy. This had been prepared following consultation with the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC). A senior member of staff had responsibility for the operation of the policy. The warden staff had received training that covered the draft policy and how to respond to suspicions or allegations of abuse. Arrangements were in place to provide all of the College staff with this training, as well as annual refresher training for staff that have direct responsibility for young people. An external contractor employed the cleaning staff.

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EVIDENCE:

There was written guidance for staff and students regarding the College’s student disciplinary procedure. When a formal disciplinary matter arises each student involved is provided with a copy of the ‘Guidance Notes for Students’.

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EVIDENCE:

The student who completed a questionnaire indicated that that punishments were given out ‘fairly most of the time’. Some of the students in the group discussion said they thought that some students were treated more leniently than others. A central Sanctions Record was maintained. A sample of records was examined and there was no evidence that sanctions used in relation to students were unreasonable or excessive. Students cannot administer sanctions to other students.

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EVIDENCE:

The College’s policy on the use of physical intervention by staff states that it must only be used as a last resort to prevent injury to the young person, themselves or others. All wardens said that they had never had to use physical intervention. The wardens had had ‘in house’ training on managing challenging behaviour. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 There was guidance for staff on how to respond to and deal with complaints. The Student Handbook contained guidance on how to make a complaint and there was a leaflet for students explaining the College’s formal complaints procedure. This had been amended to include the contact details of the Commission. Records were kept of all formal complaints and these were regularly reviewed. The parent who had completed a questionnaire indicated that they had made a complaint to the College. There was no record of this

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EVIDENCE:

complaint. Another parent had raised concerns about the accommodation by e-mail to the Halls Manager. This was not recorded as a complaint and there was no record as to how these concerns had been addressed.

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EVIDENCE:

The College’s Student Sub-Committee met on a regular basis and this provided a forum where student concerns, suggestions and complaints could be aired. The minutes of these meetings indicated that the views of the student representatives were given constructive and positive consideration.

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EVIDENCE:

Action had not been taken to comply with all the recommendations arising from an inspection by the Fire Service that had taken place 5 months before this inspection. Arrangements were in place to carry out regular tests of the emergency lighting and fire alarms. Regular ‘in house’ checks of the Hall’s fire hoses and fire doors were not being done. A contract was in place with an external contractor for the regular inspection and maintenance of the College’s fire alarm system. Some of the doors in the Halls were damaged. These doors were designed to provide protection against fire. The Estates Manager said that repairs to the doors and the door closure devices were carried out during the summer break, rather than as and when damage was reported.

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EVIDENCE:

Records of fire drills indicated that there had been no fire drill during the summer term. The Home’s fire risk assessment said these should be carried out each term. The wardens had had fire instruction from the Halls Manager as part of their induction.

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EVIDENCE:

Risk assessments were in place covering course related and recreational activities. These included assessments in respect of high-risk activities such as waterfall jumping and high ropes sessions. However, a written risk assessment was not available for the clay pigeon shooting activity.

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EVIDENCE:

The wardens were aware of the importance of respecting the privacy of students. They said they avoided being in the vicinity when students were using the bathrooms. They also said they waited until they were given permission before entering a student’s room - unless there were extenuating circumstances. Some of the students said that staff sometimes just knocked and walked straight into their rooms, without being given permission. The female students also said they felt very uncomfortable in the mornings because the cleaners, including male staff, were on their landing at 7.00am. This was the time they were using the showers and toilet areas to get ready for class. The students said this had been raised with the College but nothing Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 had been done about it. There had been no room searches carried out by staff

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EVIDENCE:

A sample of 4 staff personnel records was examined. The College only carried out Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks for staff employed after 1 st April 2002. All of the wardens had had a CRB check. One had commenced employment prior to the check having been completed. Only 1 reference had been obtained for 2 staff and the reference for 1 was from a colleague not their most recent employer. There was no evidence that the College had contacted any of the referees for any of the 4 staff, to verify the references. There was also no evidence that the College contacted previous employers, where the applicant had previously worked with children or vulnerable adults. There was one adult living on the premises that was not employed by the College. This person had started to live at the College after April 2002 but had not had a CRB check.

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EVIDENCE:

The cleaning staff that worked in the halls of residence were employed by an agency. They had not had CRB checks. These staff had unsupervised access to the young people under 18 who lived in the Halls. The Principal advised that the College would arrange for CRB checks to be carried out for these staff. Parents of the young people were also able to have unsupervised access to other young people on the Halls. Staff said this was allowed if they knew the parents.

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EVIDENCE:

Students living in the Hall were issued with a swipe card. This gave them access to the residential accommodation. Records indicated that on occasion other people gained unauthorised access. CCTV had been installed to provide added security.

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EVIDENCE:

There was evidence that unauthorised public access to the grounds of the campus at night continued to occur. Some of the staff said that there should be a security guard at the main entrance to the campus to prevent this.

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EVIDENCE:

Staff supervised students’ use of high-risk areas, such as machinery workshops. Risk assessments were in place in respect of the use of a range of machines as well as other course related activities. Students were only allowed to use the gym under the supervision of qualified staff. A Health and Safety Policy was in place. Arrangements were being made to fit window restrictors to those windows where there was a risk of access by intruders, or of falling for students.

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EVIDENCE:

Since the last inspection additional lighting had been provided on the pathway used by students to gain access to and from the student bar. A risk assessment was not available covering the safety and security of students who go to the equine unit, to bed down the horses at night. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• Students have access to a range and choice of activities.(NMS 11) • Students receive personal support from staff.(NMS 13) • Students do not experience inappropriate discrimination.(NMS 17) • Student welfare is not compromised by unusual or onerous demands.(NMS 25) • Students have access to a range of recreational areas.(NMS 41)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Quality in this outcome area was adequate. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The College did not organise, or support students to organise, a range and choice of activities outside of class time. This meant that students had a limited choice of leisure activities. There were designated staff that had the responsibility for dealing with students concerns and issues. This meant that each student had at least one member of staff they could turn to if they had a problem or needed advice.

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EVIDENCE:

The campus had a sports hall and gym, a student bar with pool and snooker tables, a beauty therapy room and a common room.

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EVIDENCE:

There was no evidence that an organised programme of activities was in place for residential students in the evenings. The Halls Manager and the wardens acknowledged this. Weekly shopping trips to Ponteland were supposed to be taking place but students said these were often cancelled. The location of the College and the limited public transport links made the lack of activities more significant for the students. The students said they would prefer to have one organised activity every fortnight away from the campus, with the College paying the transport costs

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EVIDENCE:

Each student had a personal tutor who had responsibility for supporting and advising them on personal and welfare matters. All the students said that they would go to their personal tutor if they had any issues or concerns. The College also employed the services of a counsellor who students could contact directly. During the Student Fresher week at the beginning of each academic year the Counsellor gives a presentation to students about her role, they are also given a leaflet about the service. Students also had access to personal advisors Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 attached to the Connexions Service and there was a College ‘Listening Service’. The wardens and Halls Manager were also available to provide advice and support. Following the previous inspection it had been recommended that details of help-lines should be included in the Student Handbook and displayed

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EVIDENCE:

The College had an Equal Opportunities Policy and there was an Equal Opportunities Committee that monitored the implementation of the policy. The Student Handbook included reference to this policy and stated that discrimination will be dealt with immediately, whenever it occurs. At the time of the inspection only students who were independently ambulant and independent in terms of their personal care needs, could be admitted to the hall of residence. However, consideration was being given to adapt the ground-floor rooms to meet the needs of people with physical disabilities. A ramp provided wheelchair access to a door leading into the ground floor area. The Halls Manager advised that, to date, none of the residential students had any particular religious, cultural or linguistic needs. She described how suitable provision would be made to meet any such needs, where feasible. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• Students are enabled to contribute to the operation of residential provision in the college.(NMS 12) • Students can maintain private contact with their parents and families(NMS 18) • Students receive guidance, both on arrival at the college and in preparing to leave the college.(NMS 20) • There are sound relationships between staff and students.(NMS 32)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Quality in this outcome area was good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. There was a range of formal and informal opportunities for students to give their views about living in the halls of residence. This meant the students were able to contribute to how they were run.

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EVIDENCE:

Students had formal and informal opportunities to express their views about their accommodation and welfare support. As well as the Student Council they had representation on the Learning Services Sub-Committee of the College Corporation. It was evident the views of the student representatives were taken into account. Action had been taken in response to some of the issues raised but some were still “ongoing”.

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EVIDENCE:

Each year new students are asked to complete a questionnaire about the College’s pre-course procedures, their induction and first impressions about the College. The results are used to inform the plans of the various College teams.

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EVIDENCE:

There had been a meeting of all the residential students and wardens at the beginning of the academic year. This had focussed on the College’s rules and expectations regarding living in the Halls. During the previous inspection the Halls Manager had advised that she intended to arrange regular meetings with students. This had not taken place

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EVIDENCE:

There was evidence that students were able to express their views about their accommodation and welfare to the wardens, the Halls Manager and other staff on an informal basis. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 There was no landline telephone for student use within the hall of residence. Two payphones were situated opposite the College dining room. Neither of the phone booths were enclosed and they did not provide privacy for people who made calls. Most of the students used their own cell phones.

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EVIDENCE:

Guidance for staff and students said that family and friends could visit the hall of residence between 4.00pm and 11.30pm. However, it was noted that parents had access to the Halls outside these times. Overnight stays of authorised guests and family were possible by prior arrangement with the Halls Manager. Staff maintained contact with the parents of students under 18. The information leaflet for students regarding the Halls of Residence included an invitation to parents to visit the halls of residence prior to their children arriving as students. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• The college’s organisation of residential provision safeguards students’ welfare.(NMS 10) • Students’ personal possessions and money are protected.(NMS 19) • Students are provided with satisfactory living accommodation.(NMS 36) • Students have satisfactory sleeping accommodation.(NMS 39) • Students have adequate and adequately private toilet and washing facilities.(NMS 40) • There are arrangements to ensure that students’ clothing and bedding are adequately laundered.(NMS 44) • Students can buy food and personal requisites while accommodated at college.(NMS 45)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Quality in this outcome area was poor. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Improvement had been made to the kitchens and toilets/shower facilities used by students. In general the decor, furnishing and standard of cleanliness in the residential accommodation was not adequate. This meant that the students did not have satisfactory living accommodation.

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EVIDENCE:

All the bedrooms were single rooms and they were of an adequate size. Students under 18 were accommodated in a different building to adult students and adult students were not allowed to have access to this accommodation. During the day the wardens were not on duty and the Halls were not supervised. When on duty, the wardens actively monitored access to the accommodation. But occasionally unauthorised access did take place. The accommodation for male and female students was situated on different floors. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 The walls in students’ bedrooms had recently been painted and new windows had been installed. The woodwork in the bedrooms had not been re-painted and was marked and chipped and some had graffiti on it. The furniture was very old and worn. Students accommodated on the first floor said that there was silverfish in their rooms. This was not observed during the inspection.

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EVIDENCE:

The radiators in the bedrooms did not have thermostatic controls fitted. Students said that the heating was too hot during the summer and too cold in the winter.

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EVIDENCE:

The paintwork in the corridors was chipped and marked and some of the bedroom doors had a lot of graffiti on them. There were 2 holes in the walls of one landing and one of the bedroom doors had a hole in it. The floor covering in the corridors was very marked and stained in places.

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EVIDENCE:

Students were able to lock their own bedrooms and staff held a passkey. Students could personalise their own rooms with posters and other items.

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EVIDENCE:

The toilets and shower rooms had been refurbished and were adequate for people who are not disabled. Students said they were reasonably private. The walls had been painted. The ceilings hadn’t and the paintwork was flaking and marked in places. Students said the showers were too cool and the water pressure was low. They also said there was a shortage of shower mats and the shower curtains needed to be changed/cleaned more often.

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EVIDENCE:

Students were responsible for keeping their own rooms clean and for cleaning up after themselves when they used the kitchens and showers. They said they did not have access to suitable cleaning materials and equipment such as mops to do this properly. There was also some disagreement among the students as to what their responsibilities were in relation to keeping the Halls clean. Some of the communal areas such as the kitchens and staircases were unclean on the day they were checked by the inspector. For example, in one of the corridors the remains of food that seemed to have been thrown out of a window, were spattered over the walls and window. This appeared to have been there for a number of days. The caretakers and Halls Manager said they felt the standard of cleanliness in the Halls was not good enough. The Halls Manager said this was partly due to the cleaning contract that had been agreed

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EVIDENCE:

with the agency that provided the cleaners. One parent had complained about how unclean the toilets and landings were in the Halls. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• A clear statement of the principles of residential provision and student support at the college is available to those needing this information.(NMS 1) • The safeguarding and promotion of students’ health and welfare are supported by appropriate records.(NMS 7) • There is clear leadership of residential provision in the college.(NMS 8) • Crises affecting students’ welfare are effectively managed.(NMS 9) • Risk assessment and college record keeping contribute to students’ welfare.(NMS 21) • Students are appropriately supervised during free time.(NMS 28) • Students are adequately supervised by staff.(NMS 29) • Staff responsible for residential students have specific residential and welfare duties, with adequate induction and continued training.(NMS 30) • Students are looked after by staff following clear residential and welfare policies and practice.(NMS 31) • The welfare of students placed by the college in lodgings is safeguarded

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

and promoted.(NMS 46) • The welfare of students is safeguarded and promoted while accommodated away from the college site on a short-stay basis.(NMS 47)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Quality in this outcome area was good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. There were sufficient staff to maintain adequate supervision of the students outside teaching time. The students said they felt safe living in the Halls. There was an adequate induction programme for new wardens that covered safeguarding the welfare of students.

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EVIDENCE:

Information about the College’s welfare, accommodation and student support policies was contained in a number of documents. These included: the Students Handbook; a leaflet about the Halls of Residence; the Accommodation Contract; the Course Guide and the College’s Policy and Procedures Manual. The standards of conduct and behaviour expected of Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 students and the rules of the halls of residence were clearly specified in the Accommodation Contract.

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EVIDENCE:

Individual records were kept for each student. None of the residential students who were under 18 had any specific health care needs that needed to be met by the College. Those students who were prescribed medication kept and administered this themselves. None of the students were the subject of a court order.

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EVIDENCE:

Student records were kept under lock and key and those staff who were interviewed were aware of the need to treat information about students in a confidential manner. The Staff Handbook included guidance on the secure storage of students’ records.

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EVIDENCE:

The Health and Safety Officer had the responsibility for ensuring that the College’s risk assessments were reviewed on a regular basis. There was evidence that action had been taken to reduce those risks identified in the assessments.

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EVIDENCE:

Arrangements were in place for incident reports and student disciplinary reports to be monitored by the Learner Services Manager and the Principal. The Principal also monitored the record of formal complaints. The Halls of Residence Manager monitored the Halls Accident Records.

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EVIDENCE:

The duty rotas for the warden staff indicated that, at the times when students under 18 are resident in the halls on weekdays, wardens were on duty from 12.30am to 8.00am and 16.30pm to midnight. A second warden was on duty between 19.00pm to 02.30am. The wardens now provide waking night cover. The wardens are based at the hall of residence for students under 18 but do regular checks of the two adult halls. A warden is also on duty over the weekends for students under 18 who are working in the equine unit and for any student who returns on a Sunday evening.

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EVIDENCE:

Staff felt that these staffing levels meant that they could provide adequate supervision of students outside of teaching time. During a group discussion the students confirmed that they felt safe living on the Halls.

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EVIDENCE:

Staff did not supervise students during their free time when they leave the College campus. However, a member of staff is contactable either by the Hall’s office phone or by cell phone. Students are expected to sign themselves in and out when entering or leaving the hall of residence.

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EVIDENCE:

The wardens had job descriptions that clearly stated who they were accountable to. There was an induction programme for newly appointed wardens. This included guidance on child protection and guidance on identifying and supporting students who may present a significant risk of suicide. A staff appraisal system was in place. The Principal advised that the Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 College was considering ways in which the wardens could be supported to regularly participate in training provided to other College staff.

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EVIDENCE:

No students were accommodated in lodgings and the College had not arranged any off-site, short stay accommodation for its students. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Further Education Colleges have been met and uses the following scale.

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

4 Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls)

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

“X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

BEING HEALTHY ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING Standard No Score Standard No Score 6 X 11 2 14 2 13 3 15 X 17 2 16 2 25 X 22 X 41 X 23 2 43 X MAKING A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION STAYING SAFE Standard No Score Standard No Score 12 3 2 3 18 3 3 2 20 X 4 3 32 X 5 3 24 2 ACHIEVING ECONOMIC 26 X WELLBEING 27 3 Standard No Score 33 2 10 3 34 1 19 X 35 1 36 1 37 3 39 1 38 X 40 2 42 2 44 X 45 X Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26

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Continued

MANAGEMENT Standard No Score 1 3 7 3 8 X 9 X 21 3 28 X 29 3 30 3 31 X 46 N/A 47 N/A Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Are there any outstanding recommendations from the last inspection? YES

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

This section sets out the actions that must be taken so that the proprietor meets the Children Act 1989, Inspection of Schools and Colleges Regulations 2002 and the National Minimum Standards.

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

No. Standard Recommendation Timescale for action (Serious welfare concerns only) 1. FE14 Ensure that all the warden staff are trained in first aid and that this is kept up to date. 09/09/06

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

2 FE16 Where a student has health or personal support needs sufficient to require awareness, support or monitoring by staff put in place a personal care plan for the student. Ensure this is communicated to staff that need to know its content. 09/09/06

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

3 FE23 Review the arrangements for cleaning the kitchens in the halls of residence to ensure that they are adequately cleaned. 09/09/06

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

4 FE24 Ensure that prompt action is taken to address any recommendations made by the Fire Authority. Ensure that regular checks of the Halls fire hoses and fire doors are done. Where fire retardant doors and automatic door closures have been damaged these should be repaired promptly.

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

Ensure that fire drills are carried out each term in the halls of residence in line with the College’s fire risk assessment. 09/09/06

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

5 FE33 Review the arrangements for cleaning the Halls landings each morning to avoid unnecessary intrusion on students’ privacy. Ensure that staff comply with the College’s guidance regarding 09/09/06 Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 respecting students’ right to privacy. 6 FE34 Ensure that: • The College’s system for recruiting staff (including ancillary staff, contract/sessional staff and volunteers) who work with students under 18 complies with all the action points specified under Standard 34.2 and that such action is taken prior to staff being appointed. Maintain a written record of the recruitment process. Ensure that action is taken to comply with Standards 34.4 and 34.5; • In respect of agency staff who have regular contact with students under 18 either: carry out CRB checks; obtain proof that the agency has carried out the necessary checks within the past 12

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

months or, ensure that such staff do not have substantial unsupervised access to students under 18; • For all adults who after April 2004 begin to live on the same premises as students but are not employed by the College, ensure there is a verifiable Criminal records Bureau check completed at the standard level.

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

Prepare and implement written guidance for staff in respect of the supervision of adults (such as visitors, tradesmen, contractors and agency staff) who are not students or subject to the College’s recruitment checks, to ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to prevent such adults having substantial access to students under 18. 30/08/06

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

7 FE36 FE39 The following action should be taken in respect of the residential accommodation for students under 18: • Refurbish the bedrooms, corridors and stairways of the halls of residence. Paint the walls and ceilings of the kitchen areas and the ceilings of the shower rooms. Provide new floor covering in the 09/09/06 Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 kitchens; • Replace all the furniture and fittings in the bedrooms that are worn and shabby, broken or damaged (and not capable of repair) and ensure that each room is provided with the furniture and fittings specified in Standard 39.8; • Adapt the premises to enable them to accommodate students who are disabled; • Ensure that the heating system works adequately; • Carry out a risk assessment in respect of all windows and where there is a significant risk of impact ensure that they are made of safety glass, or are otherwise

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

suitably protected. Fit effective restrictors where appropriate to meet Standard 42.2. Review the arrangements in place for the routine maintenance, repair and cleaning of the Halls. Ensure that students have access to suitable cleaning materials and equipment to carry out the tasks they are assigned. Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall DS0000046042.V292647.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 30

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI.

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