Impressive Ofsted first for Quinn Centre

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 (October 9), 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 John Kellas 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