Southdown Housing Association - 50a Avis Road

The accommodation was in a large, purpose-built bungalow with communal areas and an accessible garden. 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.

People's experience of using this service and what we found: Observations of care and feedback from relatives confirmed that people were safe living at the service and safeguarding procedures were in place to protect them. Staff were recruited safely, and enough staff were on duty to provide safe care. Staff had the skills they needed to support people effectively.

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 use of restrictive practice was regularly reviewed to ensure it was proportionate and remained the least restrictive option.

Staff understood, and protected people's rights and people were treated as individuals. Support was very personalised to meet individual needs. People were encouraged to be as independent as they were able with a culture of promoting independence underpinning all care and support. Staff worked effectively with health and social care professionals to ensure people's needs were met. People had opportunities to engage in activities that gave them a sense of self-worth and achievement.

Reviews and audits of the service showed people received good outcomes and a safe and well managed service. The management team were approachable and proactive to ensure the service met the needs of the people they supported. The service had good community links that promoted inclusion.

Incident and accidents were reviewed on a regular basis to identify any trends, themes or patterns. The provider had a dedicated positive behaviour support team (PBS) alongside a PBS strategy. Each person had individual PBS guidelines and staff were clear on the steps to take to support a person during times of anxiety of agitation.

Risks associated with people's care and support were assessed. Detailed risk management plans helped

staff to manage and reduce risks. People were involved in planning and reviewing their care and support. Care plans contained detailed information and clearly reflected people's individual preferences for how they wished their care and support to be delivered

Staff demonstrated commitment to ensuring that people experienced a good quality of life. They showed kindness and compassion in their interactions with people and spoke about them with warmth and respect. People enjoyed caring relationships with staff and there were laughter and smiles in their engagements with them.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk