Reach Lower Cippenham Lane

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

The service was a large home, bigger than most domestic style properties. It was registered for the support of up to 12 people. Twelve people were using the service. This is larger than current best practice guidance. However, the size of the service having a negative impact on people was mitigated by the building design fitting into the residential area and the other large domestic homes of a similar size. There were deliberately no identifying signs, intercom, cameras, industrial bins or anything else outside to indicate it was a care home. Staff were also discouraged from wearing anything that suggested they were care staff when coming and going with people.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

People were protected against abuse and neglect. People's risks were satisfactorily assessed. There was enough staffing deployed. The building was clean and tidy with appropriate cleaning to prevent infections. Clinical and general waste storage conditions on the outside of the home required closer monitoring to mitigate any risks. Accidents and incidents were logged. Improvements to the storage of refrigerated medicines were made as part of the inspection.

People's preferences were assessed and documented. Staff support was appropriate and showed that the training, supervisions and performance appraisals were up to date. People received enough food and drink. Any healthcare issues were referred to external healthcare professionals. The service was compliant with the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act (2005).

Staff were kind and caring. We received positive feedback from health and social care professionals when we approached them for their views. There was good engagement between staff and people who lived at the service. There was evidence of people's and relatives' involvement in the care planning. Reviews were undertaken regularly. People's dignity and privacy was respected.

People's care plans are very person centred and people's preferences were detailed and documented. Complaints were appropriately documented and managed. People had access to an active social life, both within and external to the care home. Plans were in place for end of life care.

There is a positive workplace culture; staff said it was a great place to work. The provider and the registered manager had implemented robust quality assurance systems. Actions were taken when improvements were required. There was good engagement with people, relatives and staff. There were positive remarks about the management team; staff said they felt supported and listened to.