The inspection was carried out on 9 and 12 October 2016 and was unannounced.

The college was last inspected on the 26 and 29 September 2014 where we gave it an overall rating of good. We had identified that the provider had failed to notify the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of an incident of alleged abuse to one person who used the service. This was an offence contrary to Regulation 18 CQC (Registration) Regulations 2009. The provider sent us an action plan telling us how they were going to address the concerns raised. At this inspection we found some improvements had been made.

Derwen College is registered to provide accommodation with nursing care in a specialist educational setting for a maximum of 252 people aged 16 or over who have learning disabilities and complex health needs. The provider was also registered to provide personal care to people in their own homes. This part of the service provided regulated activities to 23 people. 237 people were receiving support from the provider at the time of our inspection.

There were three registered managers in post who were present during the inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People felt safe living at the college and with the support provided by staff. Relatives were confident that staff kept their family member’s safe from harm. People were supported by staff who were knowledgeable about the different signs of abuse and how to report concerns. Staff knew the risks associated with people’s needs and how to minimise these. Staff did not start working at the college until checks were made to ensure they were suitable to work with the people that lived there.

There were enough staff to safely meet people’s needs. The provider had checks in place to ensure staffing was adapted to meet people’s changing needs and to support their social opportunities.

People were supported to take their medicine as prescribed. Where assessed as safe to do so, people managed their own medicine. Medicines were managed safely and accurate records were kept. Staff competency to manage medicines was regularly assessed to ensure they continued to manage medicines safely. People had access to good health care and were supported to manage their own health conditions.

People were supported by staff who had the skills and knowledge to meet their individual needs. Staff felt well supported and could approach the management team for support at any time. Staff felt listened to and their contribution valued.

Staff used people’s preferred method of communication to enable them to understand and be involved in decisions about their care. Where people were unable to make certain decisions staff ensured that decisions made on their behalf were in their best interest.

People enjoyed their food and were supported to plan and prepare meals. People’s nutritional and dietary needs were assessed and guidance was followed by staff. Where required staff supported people to eat their meals.

People were supported by staff who were kind and considerate. People were involved in planning their care and felt listened to. Staff treated people with dignity and respect and encouraged them to be as independent as possible.

People were encouraged and supported to keep in contact with family and friends. Relatives we spoke with told us they were always made to feel welcome when they visited.

People received personalised care that was tailored to their individual needs and preferences. People were actively encouraged to pursue their interests and aspirations.

People and their relatives felt confident and able to raise any concerns with management or staff. The provider had a clear complaints process that was avai

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and to pilot a new inspection process being introduced by CQC which looks at the overall quality of the service.

This inspection was carried out on 26 and 29 September 2014 and was unannounced, which meant the provider and staff did not know we were coming. At our previous inspection on 19 February 2013, we found the provider was meeting regulations in relation to the outcomes we inspected.

Derwen College is a specialist college where accommodation and services are provided in a learning environment for up 252 people aged 16 and over who have learning disabilities and other disabilities. At the time of the inspection 240 people used the services.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service and has the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law; as does the provider. At the time of our inspection the registered manager was not at work but the college principal and director of student services assisted us with the inspection.

People told us staff supported them to maintain their safety. We found staff understood their responsibilities in reporting any incidents of abuse. However, an incident of alleged abuse had not been reported to the local authority by the provider when this had taken place. They had also failed to notify the Care Quality Commission of this incident in June 2014. You can see the action we have told the provider to take at the back of this report.

People who used the service told us they were happy with the care and support provided. People told us about how they were becoming more independent. This helped people when they moved on from the college so that they could achieve their own set goals in the world of work opportunities and into more independent living in the community.

People had access to a GP and other health care professionals when they needed it which included the college’s nurses, psychologist and speech and language therapist. Staff had completed training relevant to the needs of people which effectively supported their health and wellbeing.

Staff knew how to support people when specific decisions needed to be made to meet their needs in their best interests as required by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. We saw people were given choices about their care and support.

The CQC is required by law to monitor the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and to report on what we find. There were policies and procedures in relation to the DoLS and staff had received training.

The management and the leadership team recognised the importance of regularly checking and monitoring the quality of the services provided to people attending and residing at the college. Where improvements were identified action plans were put in place to continually drive through improvements for the benefit of people who used the service.

The provider achieved accredited status in a range of good practice areas which included becoming the ‘Makaton Centre of Excellence’ and winners in The Association of National Specialist Colleges inclusive skills competition winners in horticulture, catering, retail and art.