Cambridgeshire County Council - 20 Alder Close

The service consists of a bungalow which has five single bedrooms, a lounge, dining room and kitchen. It is in a residential area on the outskirts of March.

People's experience of using this service: The service was being developed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

People were protected from avoidable harm by a staff team trained and confident to recognise and report any concerns. Staff assessed and minimised any potential risks to people. Staff followed the provider's procedures to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the risk of cross contamination. The provider had systems in place to enable staff to safely manage people's medicines.

The provider had a system in place to make sure they only employed staff once they were satisfied of their suitability to work with people who used the service. There were enough staff to meet people's needs safely. Staff worked well together to ensure people were safe and well cared for. Staff knew the people they cared for well and understood, and met, their needs.

People received care from staff who were trained and well supported to meet people's assessed needs. Staff supported people to have enough to eat and drink and to access external healthcare services when needed. Staff worked well with external professionals to maintain people's physical and emotional wellbeing.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People were involved in making decisions about their care and support. Where people needed additional support to make decisions, staff had referred people to external advocates.

Staff supported people in a kind, caring and compassionate way and displayed empathy for people's feelings. Staff were respectful when they spoke with, and about, people. Staff supported people to develop their independence.

Support was person centred and met each person's specific needs. People and their relatives were involved in their, or their family member's, care reviews. People's care plans were in the process of being completely revised to ensure they were up-to-date, and more individualised. People's needs were constantly reviewed,

and support adapted as required. Staff supported people to take part in pastimes and interests and experience opportunities they did not have in their own homes.

The service was effectively managed and people were at the centre of the service. The provider promoted a culture that focused on people as individuals. Staff had developed positive links with outside agencies and used feedback and their experience to learn from mistakes. The provider and manager had put robust systems in place to effectively monitor the service and bring about further improvement.

People and their families felt able to raise concerns. The provider had systems in place, including a complaints procedure, to deal with any concerns or complaints.