481 Ipswich Road

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 and providers must have regard to it.

481 Ipswich Road is located in a residential area, similar in size and design to other properties in the road. It has a large garden and good access to the local community and its amenities.

Right Support: The registered manager told us their primary aim was to provide a homely environment, to support people to increase their independence, maximise their potential and promote inclusion. This was evident throughout our inspection.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and were enabled to live fully integrated lives within the community. One person awoke that morning and decided they wanted to take a train journey to the seaside and they were supported to do as they wished. They returned very excited showing off their purchases. Staff supported people in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Care and support was continually reviewed and revised to ensure best outcomes for people. Relatives and professionals were extremely complimentary about the service and what it provided.

Right Care: People received kind and compassionate care from staff who understood their individual and specific needs. Care and support planned and delivered was personalised and tailored to the individual's needs, respecting their rights and diversity. Management and staff understood how to protect people from poor care and abuse. They had a positive attitude towards managing risk and keeping people safe. A professional told us, "On first impression, when I first entered the building, it was apparent this was a busy home and

there was plenty going on. The general feel of the atmosphere within the home was of a very caring place to be. Both service users and staff appeared content".

People could communicate with staff and understand information given to them because staff supported them consistently and understood their individual communication needs. People who had individual ways of communicating using pictures and symbols or Makaton (a form of sign language) could interact comfortably with staff and others involved in their care and support. Staff were alert to emotional communication and responded effectively to signs of distress, anxiety and frustration in line with detailed personal behaviour support plans.

Right Culture: There was a strong emphasis on promoting good practice in the service and there was a well-developed understanding of equality, diversity and human rights and management. Staff put these into practice enabling people to live as full a life as possible. People were supported to achieve best possible outcomes that included choice and independence. The registered manager inspired confidence in the staff team and led by example.

The provider had a thorough recruitment and selection process in place to check that staff were suitable to work with people who used the service. There were enough staff to meet people's needs effectively. Staffing levels were flexible to support people to follow their interests, take part in social activities or attend hospital /GP appointments and follow ups with healthcare professionals.