“Warm and respectful relationships” between staff and young people at the Papdale Halls

“Warm and respectful relationships” between staff and young people at the Papdale Halls of Residence have been evidenced by the Care Inspectorate. 

And most young people said they felt “safe” living within the accommodation for school pupils attending Kirkwall Grammar School from outlying islands. 

However, work is underway to ensure Care Inspectorate recommendations around child protection procedures are put in place. 

An unannounced inspection took place at the accommodation for pupils attending Kirkwall Grammar School during August this year. 

Key messages: 

• Most young people said they felt safe living in Papdale Halls of Residence. 

• A stable staff team had warm and respectful relationships with young people. 

• 100% of young people that we spoke with, said the food was good. 

• The provider had not followed their child protection procedures (on one occasion).  

• A few said they had experienced bullying by other young people.  

• Personal planning should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timebound). 

• Medication procedures should be improved. 

Inspectors rated how well the service supported children and young people’s rights and wellbeing and how the young people using the service felt safe, loved and were getting the most out of life as “adequate”. 

The inspection report stated: “The vast majority of young people told us that they felt safe and enjoyed living in Papdale Halls of Residence. A few young people and a small number of parents highlighted bullying behaviours and when we discussed this with managers, they took quick action to address these concerns. 

“We were made aware of a child protection concern during the inspection visit. It was clear that Papdale Halls of Residence had not followed the provider's child protection procedures and that risk had not been clearly understood. The service had not been involved in multi-agency discussion, to inform risk assessment and contribute to the risk management plan. The service had not obtained a detailed understanding of the level of risk to those involved. Papdale Halls of Residence was therefore unable to provide assurance of robust care and safety planning for young people at risk. We have made a requirement that with immediate effect, the provider must ensure the health, welfare and safety of all young people. 

"Whilst assessing broader aspects of young people's care and wellbeing, we found many examples of positive experiences and outcomes. Increased wellbeing checks supported young people who required a bit more reassurance whilst living away from home and an experienced and stable team of staff, provided a wide range of activities to support improved mental and physical wellbeing. 

“We observed warm and respectful relationships with young people and this was conveyed through cards and letters from young people, to express their appreciation of staff. The physical environment further demonstrated the value placed upon promoting positive experiences and outcomes for young people.” 

The report added: “Participation of young people was a strength in Papdale Halls of Residence. Young people were encouraged to play a key role in improving the quality of their experiences. Various opportunities were created where young people were consulted on activities, menus and healthy initiatives and this meant that young people's views helped to inform everyday life in the Halls. Additionally, the weekly Round Up newsletter, provided information for parents and young people, about what was happening in the Halls, helping to identify ways in which everyone could be involved in the life of the service.” 

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “There are many positives to take from this Care Inspectorate report, particularly around young people feeling involved, safe and enjoying living at the Halls. 

“However, we cannot ignore some of the weaknesses identified in the procedural aspect around child protection in relation to one occasion where the Halls had indeed looked into the matter and were reassured that there was no immediate danger. However, there were areas of the Child Protection Procedures which had not been concluded. I am confident that this will be addressed as a matter of urgency as per the requirement.” 

The full report is available on the Care Inspectorate website.