The Woodlarks Centre

The provider was previously in breach of the legal regulation in relation to good governance of the service. Improvements were not found at this assessment, and the provider remained in breach of this regulation in relation to ineffective governance to ensure best practice guidance was embedded, the principle of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 fully implemented, and people’s outcomes monitored. The provider was also previously in breach of the legal regulation in relation to safeguarding and medicines management. Improvements were found at this assessment and the provider was no longer in breach of these regulations.

We 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, choice, independence, and good access to local communities which most people take for granted. We found the management team were unaware of this guidance and people did not always receive care and support in accordance with its principles. As people’s needs, preferences, aspirations and outcomes were not reviewed in line with the guidance they were not supported to have as ordinary life as possible.

Staff were aware of risks to people’s safety and well-being and took steps to keep them safe. However, records regarding guidance and risk management were not always current and on occasion contained contradictory information. Systems to review the quality of the service were not always effective as concerns were not identified, such as the consistency of care planning, how people were supported to make decisions in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring staff had completed training relevant to the people they were supporting and consistently submitting notifications to CQC in line with regulatory responsibilities.

The provider responded promptly to concerns raised during the inspection and have shared their action plan for the changes they are making.

Systems were in place to ensure people’s health, nutrition and hydration were monitored and any concerns addressed. Professionals told us the service made referrals for people in relation to their needs and advice provided was followed. People received their medicines in line with their prescriptions and regular audits of medicines protocols were completed. There was a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the service and professionals and relatives told us they were always treated with respect.

Staff told us they felt supported by the management team and could raise any concerns or suggestions. We observed the management team were present in the home and knew people, relatives and staff well. Improvements had been made in the way staff were recruited, and relevant checks were completed to ensure staff employed were safe to support people.

Systems were in place to monitor the safety of the building and equipment. Consideration had been given to accessibility and security with IT being used to aid people’s independence whilst moving around their home.