The Old Vicarage

The service provides personal care and accommodation for up to nine people who have learning disabilities and additional needs. Eight people were living at The Old Vicarage at the time of the inspection. This is larger than current best practice guidance, however, the size of the service was mitigated by the fact that it fitted into the residential area and other homes in the area were of a similar size.

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.

There were enough staff to meet people's needs. Safe recruitment and selection procedures were in place and staff received induction and training to ensure they had the skills and knowledge to effectively support people. Some staff had not had supervision as frequently as the provider required, but this was being addressed and all told us they felt well supported.

People's medicines were administered as prescribed and managed safely by competent staff. People accessed routine and specialist healthcare services as required, and were supported to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced diet which met their needs.

People were well supported and treated with dignity and respect. They were involved in decision making where possible. People and their relatives were positive about staff.

People had care plans which were personalised and identified what was important to them. Care plans gave guidance to staff about what people could do for themselves and how best to provide support. Records were being developed to ensure people's preferences were respected in the event of serious illness or death.

People were supported to participate in a range of activities. A plan was in place to further develop more activities which were meaningful for the individual. People were supported to develop and maintain relationships with family and friends.

The service was well run and staff felt supported by the management team to provide high quality care. Checks and audits were carried out regularly to review quality and performance. Action plans enabled the provider to monitor changes and improve care for people.

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.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support usually focused on them having opportunities to gain new skills and become more independent.