St Bonaventures

During these visits we observed or communicated with all 7 residents. We also spoke with 5 relatives, 7 of the 8 staff members, and received feedback from 2 professionals.

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and 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 supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people. We were satisfied that St Bonaventure’s met the expectations of this guidance.

Managers followed safe recruitment practices, and staff received effective training that equipped them with the skills and knowledge needed for their roles. Staff showed an excellent understanding of the people they supported, confidently describing individual needs, preferences and communication styles. Staff were happy in their roles, and consistently kind and compassionate.

The provider aimed to create a warm, family‑like environment, and they successfully achieved this. The home functioned like a large family, without fixed activity schedules or set meal choices. People made daily choices and enjoyed a varied range of high‑quality homemade meals. Staff supported people to engage in activities based on personal interests and showed clear enthusiasm for helping people achieve their wishes and aspirations.

People were kept safe and protected from abuse. Staff monitored people’s health and sought advice from appropriate professionals when needed. Medicines were managed safely, and staff competence was regularly assessed. The home environment was clean, well maintained, and routinely checked to ensure safety. Care records and communication plans were detailed, accurate, and person‑centred.

Robust quality assurance systems gave managers good oversight of the service. People, relatives and staff had opportunities to give feedback. Staff told us they received very good support from the registered manager.

Everyone we spoke to expressed positive views about the service, and no concerns were raised.