SCA Group

A pioneering charity which specialises in training staff for the health and social care sector has received the thumbs up from Ofsted in its first-ever Government inspection.

The Southampton-based Quinn Centre - part of social enterprise health and social care provider SCA group - has been awarded ‘good' ratings overall from inspection body Ofsted for the quality and effectiveness of its training, the standards achieved by candidates and for the quality of its leadership and management.

In the report, just published (9 October 2009), Ofsted praises the centre's very high success rates, flexible and responsive training, good management and effective partnership working, as well as its action to increase social inclusion.

The Quinn Centre was set up by SCA Group in 2002 to provide much-needed training in the health and social care sector and to improve the quality of care provision and the skills, qualifications and career progression of its workers. The Quinn was one of the first centres in the country to specialise in health and social care training and is one of few centres to operate on a not-for-profit basis.

Quinn Centre Manager Jan Gingell said she was thrilled with the result. "This is a real achievement for an organisation such as ours and a wonderful first inspection result for us. I understand that it is unusual for a small provider to get an overall ‘good' rating on its first inspection and so we are very proud of the hard work and achievements of our training staff. We have already started work on our next steps and we hope to improve the quality of our training even more in future."

SCA Group Chief Executive Brian Strevens said he was also pleased. "This is a superb achievement for staff and managers at the centre and it also acknowledges the achievements of all the care staff who work so hard to improve not only their own skills and knowledge but also the quality of care they provide to the most vulnerable members of society. Along with the SCA Group Board I extend my warm congratulations to all concerned."

The Quinn Centre offers NVQ Levels 2, 3 and 4 in Health and Social Care as well as bespoke courses for local organisations. Courses include induction training for care staff and specialist short courses in areas such as dementia care, medication, stroke care, alcoholism, infection control, challenging behaviour, pain management, bereavement and loss, diabetes, end of life care, risk assessment, autism and Aspergers, and moving and handling.

The Ofsted report concludes that the overall effectiveness of provision at the Quinn Centre is good. "Learners develop effective work-based skills and self-confidence. The Quinn is particularly flexible and responsive to meet the needs of learners. The centre works well with employers and is responsive to their business needs," it says.

"Clear direction for the charity is provided by SCA Board members and senior managers [and] staff are experienced and well qualified. The Quinn works effectively with other care organisations, colleges and local councils to gain resources to support good quality training for learners. It works closely with partners to give high priority to improving the quality of care services in the county and beyond. The Quinn is committed to improving the lives and levels of care provided for the most vulnerable."

The Quinn Centre was named after Dame Sheila Quinn, who has served as a Board member to the SCA Group for a number of years including a period as Chair Person. Dame Sheila is a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing and was President of the RCN from 1982 to 1986.

Further information about the work of the Quinn Centre is available from Jan Gingell on 023 8071 7180 or from www.scagroup.co.uk

This article is also featured in Social Enterprise Live http://socialenterpriselive.com/your-news/impressive-ofsted-first-quinn-centre

(L-R) Celebrating Ofsted success - Katarina Hricova, Training Support Administrator; Lesley Watts, Centre Coordinator; Jan Gingell, Associate Director of Training; Heidi Oldrey, SCA Deputy Chief Executive; Linda Voegeli, Deputy Training Manager; and Lindsay Cotton, NVQ Assessor
 

A healthier future is on the horizon for people attending the Fenwick2 Health and Wellbeing Centre in Lyndhurst.

New Forest District Council's Healthy Horizons programme is now available at the pioneering health centre, which provides a mix of NHS and voluntary group therapies.

Fenwick2 is the council's first community outreach base where the scheme will be available, in addition to the district's five health and leisure centres, making it more accessible for those users who find travelling difficult.

Users of the scheme welcomed the launch in Lyndhurst on Monday October 5.

Fenwick2 staff, NFDC councillors and health and leisure centre staff were on hand to support the service. Healthy Living co-ordinator Vicki Clarke introduced the scheme and a fitness demonstration was given.

The centre's small but well-equipped gym is set to take people who have been referred by their GPs through Healthy Horizons. NFDC gym instructor Lottie Kirwin is on hand to put users through their paces on the cardiovascular equipment and give advice on floor exercises and use of equipment during the Healthy Horizons classes.

The scheme allows people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, depression or stress, to exercise in the gym at a subsidised cost. People who require rehabilitation from an injury or operation can also benefit.

Portfolio holder for employment, health and wellbeing Cllr Maureen Holding was delighted to attend, along with NFDC vice-chairman Cllr Pat Wyeth, and Head of Leisure Services, Bob Millard.

Cllr Holding commented: "I give the Healthy Horizons scheme my full backing as it is so beneficial to local people who have debilitating medical conditions.

"The programme has already received very positive feedback from users who have taken part at the leisure centres, but now that the service is available in Lyndhurst I am certain that many more people will see long-term health and lifestyle improvements as a result of it."

Cllr Di Brooks, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and youth matters, agreed. "The scheme is a wonderful success. It is a great opportunity for people to get together and make friends while getting fitter."

Lyndhurst ward councillor Pat Wyeth has donated a £100 rural grant to help set up Healthy Horizons in the village. She was very impressed by the facilities demonstrated at the launch.

"It is an excellent programme and all the users I have spoken to have found it a very positive experience. They can enjoy each other's company while completing the exercises. One man told me he had even been able to start gardening again after completing the course."

NHS stroke co-ordinator Raj Vaithilingam also attended the launch and gave the scheme his approval.

Referrals usually participate in 20 sessions of tailored exercise classes designed to strengthen specific areas of the body. They are then given the opportunity to carry on using the gym at Fenwick2 for £22 per month unlimited use.

To find out more about the Healthy Horizons scheme, call 0845 659 0845 or online at nfdc.gov.uk/leisure