Holicote

We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed autistic people and people with a learning disability respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

People were protected from avoidable harm because staff and the management team understood safeguarding procedures and knew how to recognise and report concerns. Risks to people's health, safety and wellbeing were appropriately assessed and managed.

Safe recruitment practices were followed, medicines were managed safely, and there were sufficient staff available to meet people's needs.

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 that staff were trained in DoLs and management worked within the MCA. DoLS authorisations were appropriately applied for and overseen. People were not subject to unlawful or excessive restrictions and they had choice, control and freedom over their lives.

People's needs were assessed and care was delivered in line with current best practice and guidance. Staff received appropriate training, supervision and support to carry out their roles effectively. People were supported to maintain good health and wellbeing and had access to healthcare services when required.

Staff consistently demonstrated kindness, compassion and respect. People told inspectors they were treated with dignity and their privacy was maintained. Positive relationships had been developed between staff and the people they supported, enabling care to be delivered in a person-centred manner that promoted independence and wellbeing.

Care and support met people's individual needs, preferences and wishes. People's views were sought and acted upon, and care plans reflected their personal circumstances and goals. Relatives and staff felt confident they would be listened to if they raised issues.

The service benefited from strong leadership and a positive culture that placed people at the centre of their care. Governance systems were effective in monitoring quality, safety and performance. Staff felt supported by management and worked collaboratively to continuously improve the service. Feedback from people, relatives and staff was actively sought and used to make continued improvements.