The Birches - Care Home

The service is larger than current best practice guidance. However, the size of the service having a negative impact on people was mitigated by the building design and layout. Although the bungalows were all at one location, we found they were separate, and all had their own communal areas. The service was working in line with the principles of Registering the Right Support to ensure that people who use the service can 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 that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

People felt safe with staff and there was enough staff to meet people's needs in a timely way. Recruitment, induction and ongoing training processes helped ensure only suitable staff were employed and that they had the required skills and knowledge. Staff were supported by the management team through supervision, appraisals and meetings.

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 supported this practice.

Staff respected people as individuals, helped people to follow their own routines and to pursue a wide range of hobbies and interests. Staff promoted people's independence, provided appropriate support and maintained people's privacy and dignity. People enjoyed the meals and their health and wellbeing was monitored. Referrals were made to healthcare services in a timely manner and staff followed professional advice.

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 can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. The outcomes for people using the

service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, 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.

The registered manager had ensured there was a supportive and positive culture and engaged people in the development of the service, they told us, "People are at the centre of everything we do and every decision we make." The management team closely monitored the quality of the service and addressed problems promptly.