The Farmhouse

This was a responsive assessment to follow up on a previous breach of regulation regarding safe care and treatment. Improvements were found at this assessment, and the provider was no longer in breach of the regulations.

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

The Farmhouse provided a supportive environment and staff demonstrated a good level of safeguarding knowledge. Risks were well assessed and managed, with emphasis on independence and emotional wellbeing. Staffing and recruitment were robust, and training aligned with individual needs. However, maintenance tracking and timeliness required improvement to ensure a consistently safe environment. Infection prevention and control had significantly improved since the last inspection. The environment was visibly clean, supported by effective audits.

People’s needs were assessed and regularly reviewed, with support plans reflecting personal preferences and goals. Evidence-based and good practice approaches were embedded. Staff collaborated with external professionals which supported continuity of care. Health management was proactive, with access to routine and specialist services, and staff responded promptly to emerging concerns. The Mental Capacity Act (2005) was well understood and applied, with documented best interest decisions and independent advocacy available when needed.

Support plans outlined what mattered to each person and how staff could help them lead meaningful lives. Staff promoted choice and independence, used preferred communication methods, and allowed time for decision-making. Staff knew those they supported well and worked collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes.