Redlands Lane

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures 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.

The service was registered for the support of up to two people. Two people were using the service. This is in line with current best practice guidance. The building design fitted into the residential area and the other domestic homes of a similar size. There were deliberately no identifying signs, intercom, cameras, industrial bins or anything else outside to indicate it was a care home. Staff were also discouraged from wearing anything that suggested they were care staff when coming and going with people.

People were supported to have choice and control over their lives and staff demonstrated an understanding and awareness of mental capacity and best interests' decisions. However, the records did not always clearly reflect the outcomes of best interest's decision meetings. We have made a recommendation concerning the recording of best interest decisions.

The provider supported staff in providing effective care for people through person-centred care planning, training and supervision. This ensured the provision of best practice guidance and that supported staff to meet people's individual needs.

People participated in a range of activities that met their individual choices and preferences. Staff understood the importance of this for people and provided the support required. This enabled people to achieve positive outcomes and promoted a good quality of life.

The provider had a consistent staff team who understood the needs of people well. We saw staff upheld and promoted people's rights relating to equality and diversity. There was a strongly embedded culture within the service of treating people with dignity, respect, compassion, warmth and kindness.

A system was in place to ensure medicines were managed in a safe way for people. Staff were trained and supported to ensure they were competent to administer medicines. People received support with meals and drinks.

Staff knew how to access relevant healthcare professionals if their input was required. The service worked in partnership with other organisations and healthcare professionals to improve people's outcomes.

Staff were recruited safely and there were sufficient numbers of staff deployed to keep people safe and to meet their care needs. Staff received appropriate training which was relevant to their role. Staff were supported by the management team and were receiving formal supervision where they could discuss their on-going development needs.

Relatives and staff told us they thought the home was well led and spoke positively about the management team. The provider and registered manager carried out numerous audits to ensure the service was effective. Staff supported people to integrate into their local community and the culture of the service promoted the values of supporting people to be as independent as possible.