The Meadows

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 this practice. Some people had previously lived in more secure settings and through careful person-centred planning were being enabling to lead less restrictive lives.

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right support, right care, right culture is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

The service was able to demonstrate how they are working towards meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. Although the service is larger than recommended, the use of positive support plans and individualised activities meant people were enabled to follow their interests' hobbies and passions as far as possible. This had been curtailed by the pandemic and lockdown restrictions. Future planning was taking place to look at development of move on flats on site and developing more communal space so people could choose to be in smaller groups. In addition, people's needs were being reviewed and two people had moved on to other settings as a result of this. Compatibility of people living together was being reviewed as was the skill mix of staff supporting them. Staff training had been enhanced since the last inspection to enable staff to consider a more person-centred approach for each individual living at The Meadows. Investment in enhancing the environment was ongoing and people were being enabled to influence choice of decoration and how they wished to develop their garden space.

Since the last inspection we found medicines were being managed safely. Risks were being clearly identified, assessed and monitored in a more timely way.

Staff reported there had been a lot more training support and guidance available to them. The team felt positive about the new management team and the direction they were working towards to enable people to live fulfilling lives. Most staff said there had been a definite improvement in staff numbers on shift, in skills and in staff morale.

Work had commenced on improving the environment. For example the entrance hall had been refurbished and people who live at the service had chosen a calming Forrest décor. Some of this work had unfortunately been delayed due to the pandemic and lockdown, but it was clear investment and plans to improve the building and grounds were taking place.

We made one good practice recommendation in respect of medicines.