The Old School House

Medicines were managed and administered safely, and staff ensured people had their medicines when they needed them. Governance was more effective with audits systems used to identify shortfalls and action plans put in place to address them.

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.

The provider was able to demonstrate they were meeting the principles of ‘Right support, right care, right culture’.

The culture of the service had developed and improved. The focus was on people enjoying their lives and becoming more independent. Notable was the increase in activities, the improved menus, the highly personalised and imaginative re-decoration of people’s rooms, and the re-writing of care plans to ensure people’s wishes and aspirations were central to their care and support.

The service was well-staffed and the staff team knowledgeable and caring. They understood people’s communication needs and enabled them to make choices and decisions about their daily lives. They supported people to take positive risks, try new activities, and grow in independence.

Staff worked to reduce healthcare inequalities, collaborating with a range of healthcare professionals to ensure people had regular healthcare appointments and prompt referrals if their needs changed. People were supported to understand and make healthier choices about their diet, lifestyle, and physical activity.

People’s care plans were clear, detailed and personalised. Staff followed these to ensure people received consistent, appropriate support that was right for them. Relatives were welcomed at the service and invited to contribute to care planning and have a say in their family member’s care and support.

Managers listened to people, relatives, and staff and made changes to the service based on their views. They understood their roles and regulatory responsibilities and were committed to continual improvement at the service and ensuring the best outcomes for people.