Little Acres

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 that most people take for granted.

Right Support:

People were encouraged to lead their lives in their chosen way and supported to access meaningful activities in the home and local community and develop their skills. Staff involved people in decisions and planning any changes to their care.

Independence was encouraged and supported. 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 had completed the providers mandatory training but not all staff had completed the service specific training required to safely meet people's care needs, which the registered manager confirmed they were aware of. Medicines were not consistently managed safely potentially placing people at risk but the provider responded promptly to correct these issues and measures now in place have also been confirmed by an external stakeholder working with the service. People had regular health checks and medication reviews. The registered manager ensured staff received regular supervision to maintain good quality care and assured us the gaps in staff training were being addressed.

Staff understood and managed risk while supporting people to take part in activities in their local community, maintain relationships, and try new things. There were enough staff to provide the right level of care and support for people.

Right Care:

People were treated with kindness and compassion and received dignified care that respected their privacy and human rights. Care and support was person centred. Individualised care and support plans were in place that enabled staff to provide person centred and safe care for each person. People’s preferred communication styles were known and respected.

Right Culture:

The practice, values and attitude of leaders and care staff ensured people supported by the Little Acres team led confident and inclusive lives. Staff and managers had shared values which were based on supporting people to live an ordinary life as any other citizen with the same rights and opportunities.