Setting

Cloughwood Special School

Stones Manor Lane Hartford Northwich Cheshire CW8 1NU

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Launched in April 2004, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is the single inspectorate for social care in England.

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

The Commission combines the work formerly done by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI), the SSI/Audit Commission Joint Review Team and the National Care Standards Commission.

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The role of CSCI is to:

• Promote improvement in social care • Inspect all social care - for adults and children - in the public, private and voluntary sectors • Publish annual reports to Parliament on the performance of social care and on the state of the social care market • Inspect and assess ‘Value for Money’ of council social services • Hold performance statistics on social care • Publish the ‘star ratings’ for council social services • Register and inspect services against national standards • Host the Children’s Rights Director role.

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Inspection Methods & Findings

SECTION B of this report summarises key findings and evidence from this inspection. The following 4-point scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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The 4-point scale ranges from:

4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) 'O' or blank in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. '9' in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not applicable. 'X' is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Cloughwood Special School Page 1

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Boarding School (not registered as a children's home)

Residential Special School (not registered as a children's home) YES

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time of inspection

Number of Inspector Days spent on site: 1 Cloughwood Special School Page 2

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SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE(S) OF THE VISIT

Residential Special Schools are subject to inspection by the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC) to determine whether the welfare of children (i.e. those aged under 18) is adequately safeguarded and promoted while they are accommodated by the school. Inspections are undertaken in line with the agreed regulatory framework under the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Children Act 1989 as amended, with additional visits as required. Cloughwood Special School received an inspection visit in November 2002 and a further inspection was planned for this inspection year. However Cheshire County Council, the authority that maintain the school, advised the commission that the residential facility had been closed in the early part of the academic year 2003. A full inspection is not therefore required but an additional advisory visit was completed within the inspection year as the authority plan to reopen the facility in the academic year 2004.

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SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE(S) OF THE VISIT

The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the advisory visit and from correspondence between the local education authority’s consultant and the NCSC.

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INSPECTION METHODS USED AT THE VISIT

Inspection of relevant part(s) of premises YES Interview with senior staff member in charge YES Interview with other staff NO Discussion with children NO Individual interview with a child NO Visit foster/adoptive home NA Visit lodgings NA Interview foster/adoptive parent NA Inspection of relevant records NO Inspection of relevant policy/practice documents YES Children's survey NO Parent survey NO Placing authority survey NO Foster / adoptive parent survey NA Staff survey NO Cloughwood Special School Page 3 Date of Inspection 14/01/04 Time of Inspection 9.30 Duration Of Inspection 2.5

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MONITORING AND FOLLOW UP VISITS

The following scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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MONITORING AND FOLLOW UP VISITS

The scale ranges from: 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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MONITORING AND FOLLOW UP VISITS

“0" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. “9" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not applicable. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Cloughwood Special School Page 4

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(I). Inspector's assessment of the extent to which the requirements for consultation

with children are being met. Key findings/Evidence Standard met? 9 As the school population are using the educational services on a day placement basis the following standards are not applicable at this time.

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(I). Inspector's assessment of the extent to which the requirements for consultation

Not assessed on this occasion but will be included in the next inspection.

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(II). Inspector's assessment of the extent to which the requirements for complaints

procedures for children are being met. Key findings/Evidence Standard met? 9 Not assessed on this occasion but will be included in the next inspection.

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response to allegations or suspicions of abuse of children (child protection and

staff/carer reporting procedures). Key findings/Evidence Standard met? 9 Not assessed on this occasion but will be included in the next inspection.

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response to allegations or suspicions of abuse of children (child protection and

(IV). Inspector's assessment of the adequacy of staffing at the time of the visit. Key findings/Evidence Standard met? 9 Not assessed on this occasion but will be included in the next inspection.

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(V). Inspector's assessment of the extent to which any children and staff/carers seen

are aware of individual children's plans (where applicable). Key findings/Evidence Standard met? 9 Not assessed on this occasion but will be included in the next inspection. Cloughwood Special School Page 5

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FINDINGS ON SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THIS VISIT

The objectives of this visit were to relay advice regarding the standards for residential special schools to the local education authority’s consultant, currently linked to Cloughwood Special School and to confirm the current position within school regarding residential placements.

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FINDINGS ON SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THIS VISIT

The authority’s consultant met with the inspector on site to address these objectives and confirmed that the acting head teacher was running a day school for male students with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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FINDINGS ON SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THIS VISIT

With the consultant’s advice and support the authority plan to appoint a residential school head and head of care, prior to reopening the residential facility. An action plan with time scales relating to these aims; has been forwarded to the commission.

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FINDINGS ON SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THIS VISIT

The internal issues and commission’s advice relating to premises, physical intervention, senior management team and care associate team are outlined below.

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FINDINGS ON SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THIS VISIT

The last inspection report was revisited and issues relating to premises, where the standards were not met were highlighted. Advice for the future provision related to the provision of bedroom areas of four beds or less with toilet provision of one toilet to four resident pupils. The inspector referred the consultant to the School Premises Regulations 1999 for guidance on room dimensions.

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FINDINGS ON SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THIS VISIT

The lounge areas should provide communal recreational areas, with sufficient space for the number of intended users and staff members. The problems of nocturnal access to the toilet, by the occupant of the single bedrooms that are currently provided at the end of each dormitory, were highlighted. The duty flats for any sleep in staff members must be in close proximity to the sleeping areas and in sufficient number to meet the standard [see recommendation action 5]. The authority should consider access to telephone lines for the resident population.

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FINDINGS ON SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THIS VISIT

The issue of a model of physical intervention was discussed and whereas the commission cannot recommend a model for use, advice was given that the chosen model should be accredited with the British Institute Of Learning Disability.

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FINDINGS ON SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THIS VISIT

The make up of the new senior management team and the care associate team were discussed. The authority plan to appoint a new residential school head and then recruit a head of care who meets the standard in relation to qualification and experience.

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FINDINGS ON SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THIS VISIT

Advice was provided that any care associate staff members appointed after January 1 st 2004, should be qualified to NVQ level three or equivalent or be willing to register on such an award within three months of appointment [see required action 9]. Cloughwood Special School Page 6

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FOR UNANNOUNCED, MONITORING AND FOLLOW UP VISITS

Requirements from last Inspection visit fully actioned? NO

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indicate a non-compliance with applicable Regulations or Standards under the Care

No. Regulation if applicable Standard Required actions Timescale for action

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indicate a non-compliance with applicable Regulations or Standards under the Care

1 N/A RS24 The school must maintain the partitioned areas within dormitories at a maximum of four beds. 1.9.04

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indicate a non-compliance with applicable Regulations or Standards under the Care

2 N/A RS19 The school must maintain written parental agreements to emergency treatment for students. 1.9.04

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indicate a non-compliance with applicable Regulations or Standards under the Care

3 N/A RS33 The school must maintain a programme of monitoring visits from the governing body and records maintained of the same 1.9.04

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indicate a non-compliance with applicable Regulations or Standards under the Care

4 N/A RS27 The individual from the governing body designated to complete standard 33 visits, must complete criminal record bureau clearance at an enhanced level. 28.7.04

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indicate a non-compliance with applicable Regulations or Standards under the Care

5 N/A RS19 The school must maintain individual records of student medication administration. 1.9.04

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indicate a non-compliance with applicable Regulations or Standards under the Care

6 N/A RS25 The school must provide a ratio of one toilet facility for four resident students 1.9.04

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indicate a non-compliance with applicable Regulations or Standards under the Care

7 N/A RS27 Resident adults must complete standard Criminal Record Bureau checks. 28.7.04 Cloughwood Special School Page 7 8 N/A RS25 The school must risk assess the provision of over-rideable locks on shower and bath doors. 1.9.04

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Action is being taken by the National Care Standards Commission to monitor

compliance with the above requirements. Cloughwood Special School Page 8

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Independent Fostering Agencies or Voluntary Adoption Agencies only)

Providers and managers of registered services must comply with statutory conditions of their registration. The conditions applying to this registration are listed below, with the inspector's assessment of compliance from the evidence at the time of this Additional Inspection Visit.

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Condition Compliance

Not applicable as Cloughwood is a residential special school.

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Condition Compliance

Not applicable as Cloughwood is a residential special school.

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Condition Compliance

Not applicable as Cloughwood is a residential special school.

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Issues raised by children:

Not assessed on this occasion but will be included in the next inspection.

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Issues raised by staff or carers:

The local education authority’s consultant enquired over the appointment of a registered manager. It was confirmed that due to Cloughwood’s projected status, as a residential special school not registered as a children’s home, a registered manager is not required.

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Issues raised by staff or carers:

The policy document for the school should cover the pertinent elements of appendix three the standards.

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Issues raised by inspector:

The use of the medical room, both currently and in the future, was raised by the inspector. All medical screening should be provided within the current medical room. The future medical room provision should incorporate the medication storage facility and the isolation beds, which was not the case at the last inspection.

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Issues raised by inspector:

The issue of liaison with the Department of Education and Skills was raised by the inspector and agreed to by the authority’s consultant. Cloughwood Special School Page 10

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the statutory requirements under the Care Standards Act 2000, Children Act 1989, or

applicable Regulations and National Minimum Standards.

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the statutory requirements under the Care Standards Act 2000, Children Act 1989, or

No. Regulation if applicable Standard * Requirement Timescale for action 1 N/A RS24 The school must provide sleeping areas of four beds or less. 1.9.04

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the statutory requirements under the Care Standards Act 2000, Children Act 1989, or

2 N/A RS19 The school must maintain written parental agreements to emergency treatment for students. 1.9.04

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the statutory requirements under the Care Standards Act 2000, Children Act 1989, or

3 N/A RS33 The school must maintain a programme of monitoring visits from the governing body and records maintained of the same 1.9.04

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the statutory requirements under the Care Standards Act 2000, Children Act 1989, or

4 N/A RS27 The individual from the governing body designated to complete standard 33 visits, must complete criminal record bureau clearance at an enhanced level. 28.7.04

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the statutory requirements under the Care Standards Act 2000, Children Act 1989, or

5 N/A RS19 The school must maintain individual records of student medication administration. 1.9.04

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the statutory requirements under the Care Standards Act 2000, Children Act 1989, or

6 N/A RS25 The school must provide a ratio of one toilet facility for four resident students 1.9.04

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the statutory requirements under the Care Standards Act 2000, Children Act 1989, or

7 N/A RS27 Resident adults, not employed by school must complete standard Criminal Record Bureau checks. 28.7.04

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the statutory requirements under the Care Standards Act 2000, Children Act 1989, or

8 N/A RS25 The school must provide a choice of bath and shower facilities, with over-rideable door locks. 1.9.04

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the statutory requirements under the Care Standards Act 2000, Children Act 1989, or

9 N/A RS31 The school must appoint care associates qualified to NVQ level three or ensure newly appointed staff register for the award within three months of appointment. 1.1.04 Cloughwood Special School Page 11

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National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues to be considered

No. Refer to Standard * Recommendation Action

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National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues to be considered

RS14 The school should include a healthcare component within the individual educational care plan.

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National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues to be considered

2 RS27 The school should provide care associate job candidates with person specifications relating to the role.

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National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues to be considered

3 RS29 The school must maintain a formal induction programme for care associates in line with TOPSS specifications.

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National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues to be considered

4 RS29 The school must record and address the training needs of care associates within personal development plans.

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National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues to be considered

5 RS28 The school should provide sufficient duty sleep in flats in line with the amount of nocturnal cover listed within the standard.

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National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues to be considered

Note: Standard code is in respect of the relevant service; e.g. BS = Boarding School, CH = Children's Home, etc Cloughwood Special School Page 12

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Public reports

It should be noted that all NCSC inspection reports are public documents. Cloughwood Special School Page 13

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Registered Person’s comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of

We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on January 14 th 2004 and any factual inaccuracies:

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Registered Person’s comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of

Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible Cloughwood Special School Page 14

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Action taken by the NCSC in response to provider comments:

Amendments to the report were necessary NO

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Action taken by the NCSC in response to provider comments:

Comments were received from the provider NO

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Action taken by the NCSC in response to provider comments:

Provider comments/factual amendments were incorporated into the final inspection report

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Action taken by the NCSC in response to provider comments:

Provider comments are available on file at the Area Office but have not been incorporated into the final inspection report. The inspector believes the report to be factually accurate

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Note:

In instances where there is a major difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider both views will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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indicates how required or recommended actions and good practice

recommendations are to be addressed and stating a clear timescale for completion. This will be kept on file and made available on request.

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report:

Action plan was received at the point of publication NO

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report:

Action plan covers all the statutory requirements in a timely fashion

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report:

Action plan did not cover all the statutory requirements and required further discussion

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report:

Provider has declined to provide an action plan

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Public reports

It should be noted that all NCSC inspection reports are public documents. Reports on children's homes are only obtainable on personal application to NCSC offices. Cloughwood Special School Page 15

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the inspection conducted on 14 January 2004 and that I agree with the

required/recommended actions made and will seek to comply with these.

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Date

Note: In instance where there is a profound difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider both views will be reported. Please attach any extra pages, as applicable.

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