The Court

People had lived at the service for many years and appeared very content. Relatives described the service as a place where their family members felt at home and spoke positively about the stability of care and the strong relationships people had built with staff. Staff supported people to access the community, attend health appointments and take part in meaningful activities that reflected their preferences and interests.

We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. We found these principles were followed.

Overall, the evidence showed that people received person-centred care that promoted choice, independence and inclusion. People were supported using structured communication approaches such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Makaton, and staff described how this helped people to express their preferences and reduce anxiety. Care was planned around people’s strengths and aspirations, and staff supported people to access community healthcare services in a personalised way. These approaches reflected right support and right care in practice.

People appeared relaxed with staff, and families spoke positively about the care and support their relatives received. Staff knew people well and described how consistent staffing helped build trusting relationships. The Space, Task, Equipment, and People (STEP) approach was embedded across the service and contributed to a reduction in incidents and a calmer environment. Risk assessments were detailed and regularly reviewed, supporting people to take positive and proportionate risks while avoiding unnecessary restrictions.

Staff raised concerns about being understaffed at times, there being a reliance on inexperienced or restricted‑duty staff, and an unsafe skill mix during higher‑risk situations in the community. There were also concerns about how poor practice and errors were addressed. The registered manager immediately took steps to resolve these issues and sought the support of independent managers to provide a safe space for staff to discuss matters.

Staff worked effectively with health and social care professionals, including learning disability teams, GPs and therapy services. People were treated with dignity and respect, and staff demonstrated empathy and warmth in their interactions. People were supported to make choices, and take positive risks in ways that were proportionate and respectful of their rights. Equality, diversity and inclusion were embedded in practice, with people’s cultural, religious and personal identities understood and respected.