The Willow

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found improvements to The Willow since the last inspection with regards to a safe service being delivered. A developing learning culture was evident compared to the previous inspections. We also heard of plans for effective and safe staffing arrangements, with future staffing models factored in by managers. Although there were no service users, the environment and plans for it that we assessed, were noted to be appropriate spaces with considerations for future residents’ safety being evident. However, safe care in other areas was inconsistent. You can find more details of our concerns in the evidence category findings below. We will be following up on our concerns to ensure they have been put right by the provider.

This service scored 50 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

There was a developing culture of safety and learning from the provider. This was based on openness, transparency and learning from events that have either put people and staff at risk of harm, or that have caused them harm. Staff employed by the provider spoke positively about the improved learning culture.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

There was an understanding of safeguarding children and how to take appropriate action. Staff employed by the provider were supported to understand safeguarding, what being safe means to them, and how to raise concerns. Most staff employed by the provider spoke highly of the safeguarding training offer, but some told us they wanted more opportunity for constructive safeguarding supervision sessions.

We were unable to ascertain the efficacy of the safeguarding processes due to no children being resident; however, we did see some processes in place to ensure people were protected from avoidable harm.

Staff employed by the provider told us that overall, incidents were managed well, and crisis protocols put in place with new action plans or risk assessments. Where there was evidence of escalating risk, staff noted that emergency risk assessments were undertaken. We were unable to see evidence of this due to no children being resident. Stakeholders we spoke with told us they were assured by the risk assessment and identification processes implemented by the provider.

We were unable to ensure the efficacy of risk-management due to there being no children resident at the time of our assessment. However, leaders had processes in place, including appropriate training around restraint available to staff.

There were effective arrangements to monitor the safety and upkeep of the premises. We were advised that an accredited, independent company had visited the home and undertaken a full assessment of fire risk. Recommendations made included the fitting of a door guard and fire safety signage. The recommendations had been actioned by the provider.

We found that some risks to children residing at The Willow in the future has been considered and, where necessary, we saw plans for improvements. Adaptations undertaken at The Willow were, overall, seen to be positive in reducing the risks to vulnerable children, including, for example, ligature risks. CCTV in private spaces had been removed to better enhance children's privacy. However, a staff 'sleep room' was noted to not be lockable. We were advised that this is a planned action before any child takes up residence at the home. The garden appeared secure with locks on gates, the garden shed and a storage locker.

Staff at all levels employed by the provider had opportunities to learn. This included appraisal and support for all staff including leaders. The training offer was stronger than in previous inspections. Management teams had oversight of any learning gaps for staff they employ and facilitate additional training as required. We heard of plans for staffing and recruitment in preparation for future admissions

There were safe recruitment practices to make sure that all staff were suitably experienced, competent and able to carry out their role, including within the leadership team. Processes were in place, including monthly appraisals for those employed by the provider, to ensure learning needs of staff were met. Managers and leaders sought external professional supervision where required.

Staff had an awareness of infection prevention and control, they informed us that they knew about the relevant policy and where to find it.

The environment was observed to be clean and tidy, with appropriate infection control measures in place.

There was an effective approach to assessing and managing the risk of infection, including utilising individualised risk assessments.

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.