Brackenley

The service was registered for the support of up to 13 people, and 13 people were using the service at the time of our inspection. This is larger than current best practice guidance for a service supporting people with a learning disability. However, the size of the service having a negative impact on people was mitigated. The service was in a residential neighbourhood, close to local amenities, and by the building design fitted into the local area.

People's experience of using this service:

People received kind, caring and effective support to meet their needs. 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 provider and registered manager were exceptionally committed to continually improving and developing the service to meet people's individual needs and improve their quality of life. They promoted an open, transparent and very person-centred culture. People were at the heart of the service; management consistently recognised what was important to people and were very responsive and passionate about providing high-quality care to meet their needs. Staff praised the communication and strong leadership and were proud of the service they provided. There was high levels of engagement and a strong focus on staff development to continually improve the quality of care provided.

Staff provided effective care; they were confident in their knowledge and skills, understood people's needs and knew how best to support them. Staff worked closely with professionals; they sought advice and guidance to make sure they provided the most effective care they could to meet people's needs. If people were unwell, staff advocated on people's behalf to make sure they received the medical attention they needed.

Staff were caring; they were attentive to people's needs and provided dignified and respectful support. People told us they felt safe and praised the care and support that staff provided. Staff treated people with kindness, dignity and respect.

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. People routinely made choices about all aspects of their care. Staff supported people to express their wishes and views and were proactive in using accessible information to help people make

decisions.

People were supported to access a very wide range of meaningful activities and to pursue their hobbies and interests. People had access to a varied choice of meals and snacks were available. Staff monitored people's needs, promoted health choices and provided support if necessary to make sure people ate and drank enough.

Supervisions and appraisals provided an opportunity for staff to reflect on their performance and identify goals for the future.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) website at www.cqc.org.uk.