Wickett Hern Road

Who the service is for

This service supports people with learning disabilities and autistic people. There were 4 people living in the service at the time of the inspection.

We 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 most people take for granted. We were assured the service provided care in line with this guidance.

Key findings

We carried out this assessment on 13 and 15 July 2026. This service was previously rated as good. We carried out this assessment to confirm whether the rating of good remains accurate. This report does not provide detailed information on areas where we found practice continues to meet a good standard. Instead, our findings focus on any areas where the service needs to improve or where we found exceptional practice.

Accidents and incidents were logged, reviewed and analysed to identify opportunities for service improvement. We had a discussion with the registered manager about submitting notifications to CQC and learning was identified and immediate action taken. There were clear processes in place for reporting concerns about safety and the service submitted concerns to the local authority appropriately. A member of staff told us, “I have access to safeguarding policies. If I suspected abuse, I would first make sure the person was safe, I would act in a calm manner, listen but also tell them I am unable to keep secrets. I would report my concerns to the person in charge of the shift. I understand I can escalate my concerns to the safeguarding team and, if the situation warranted it, call the emergency services.” People’s care plans were person-centred, and appropriate risk assessments were in place. The care environment was clean and well-maintained. There were sufficient numbers of suitably trained staff available to support people. Administration of medicines was managed safely and there were clear processes in place to review and monitor controlled drugs.

People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment with appropriate legal authority. In care homes, this can be done through a procedure called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), which is part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA and how they managed DoLS within the service. We found members of staff and the management team worked within the MCA. DoLS authorisations were appropriately applied for and overseen. People were not subject to unlawful or excessive restrictions, they had choice, control and freedom over their lives.

People’s care plans were reviewed regularly, and daily notes reflected the support and care provided. People’s consent to care was recorded in their care plans and their choices and decisions were respected.

Members of staff were kind and caring. They treated people with respect and supported them to make choices and maintain their independence. A member of staff told us, “We uphold people’s wishes, treating them as we would want to be treated if accessing a service. We are approachable and allow people to be involved in decision-making processes. We give choice and ensure we follow people’s wishes.” We observed people making meaningful choices and decisions throughout our visit to the service. For example, people arranged to catch the bus to local leisure facilities for the afternoon.

People’s care was person-centred and unique to each individual. Rooms contained people’s personal belongings which reflected their individual tastes and preferences. There was a clear process for making complaints and people told us they could speak to members of staff or the registered manager if they had any concerns.

The service was well-led by leaders at all levels throughout the service. Members of staff were empowered to lead and make decisions within a clear framework of policies, processes and guidance. The registered manager had reflected on a recent inspection of another service within the provider group and developed a checklist to enhance the capturing of evidence of governance processes within the service. The governance developments were in line with CQC’s key questions for inspection.