Ashdale - Sunderland

Services for people with learning disabilities and or autism are supported The service had been designed and was following the principles and values underpinning Registering the Right Support. The premises were large and homely. People had access to their own space to live as independently as they wished and had the choice to access communal parts of the service to socialise with other people living at the service.

Relatives were positive about the service and were actively involved by staff to help plan support for their family members. Care plans were bespoke and reflected the specific outcomes people wanted to achieve and their choices. Relatives described the positive influence staff at the service had on people. A relative commented, "The best thing about the service is knowing my family member is happy and safe. It is the nearest they will ever get to friends and the staff are like family. It helps them to keep their independence as much as possible at the same time being supported. Literally you could not find a better kinder caring place."

Risks people may face were fully identified and mitigated. The premises were safe, and the service had a homely environment. Medicines were safely managed, and the service worked in partnership with other health care professionals to make sure people received a continuous level of support. There was enough staff to safely support people.

There was an established staff team who completed regular training and attended team meetings. Staff were supported with regular supervisions. Staff had a positive relationship with the registered manager and felt able to provide feedback regularly. The quality and assurance systems in place allowed for effective monitoring of the service by the registered manager.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

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.