SENSE - 88 Church Lane

The service applied the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensured that people who use the service 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. People using the service received planned and coordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them. They lived in a domestic size house that had no external visible features of it being a care home.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff supported people 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 achieve the best possible outcomes, including 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.

Induction training was in place to introduce new staff to their role and the people they were to support. Training had been received by staff and was generally refreshed in line with the provider's timeframes. People were supported by staff who knew their personal preferences and individual needs well. People were encouraged, where possible, to make decisions about their care and support. Relatives were involved in decision making relating to their family member where this was appropriate. Staff had a good insight of the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. People were offered the food and drink that they liked and staff encouraged people to take a healthy diet. Referrals were made to healthcare professionals where required to ensure people's health needs were met.

Relatives felt staff were kind and caring and treated people with respect and dignity. People were encouraged to develop and maintain their independence skills. Relatives could visit their family member when they wanted to and were welcomed by staff. People were supported and enabled to maintain contact with their families.

Reviews of people's care and support needs were undertaken regularly. People and their relatives were included in these processes to ensure all needs were determined and addressed. Relatives felt confident and comfortable to raise any complaints they had with the staff or registered manager. Relatives confirmed they were kept up to date with important information relating to their family member.

Relatives felt the service worked well and was well-led. Audits were undertaken to determine what the service did well and where corrective action was required. The registered manager was visible within the service and people and their relatives were aware of who they were. The registered manager understood their regulatory responsibilities and their requirement to provide us (CQC) with notifications about important events and incidents that occurred whilst the service was delivering care.