Headstart Speech & Behaviour Clinic Ltd, a domiciliary care agency for children aged 2–17 with learning needs, was rated overall Good at its first inspection in June–September 2022, with Safe requiring improvement due to absent infection control training and inconsistent risk management plans. All other key questions were rated Good, with strengths in safeguarding, person-centred care, staff support, and partnership working.
Concerns (3)
moderate
Infection control
: “Staff had not completed training in IPC to help manage and control this risk. The registered manager provided us with a copy of the staff training programme which did not include IPC training.”
moderateCare planning: “some risk management plans did not contain sufficient information to identify the level of risk or clear guidance to manage the risk.”
moderateGovernance: “the monitoring systems at the service did not identify the areas for improvement we found in relation to infection prevention and control and risk management planning.”
Strengths
· Staff understood safeguarding processes and were trained to identify abuse and protect children from harm.
· Children received person-centred care meeting individual needs, with care plans detailed and accessible to staff.
· Staff supported children's independence and worked collaboratively with health, education and social care professionals.
· Positive feedback from parents/carers about staff consistency, communication and caring approach.
· Robust recruitment processes including DBS checks and pre-employment vetting.
Quality-Statement breakdown (23)
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionRequires improvement
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementRequires improvement
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Staff support, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Supporting people to live healthier lives, access healthcare services and supportGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityGood
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure children have choice and controlGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staffGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving careGood
well-led: How the provider understands and acts on the duty of candourGood