Autism Care UK (Bedford)

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

At our last inspection we rated this key question Requires improvement. At this inspection the rating has changed to Good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

People were safe using the service. Staff were trained in safeguarding and knew how to report concerns if necessary. There were enough suitably trained and competent staff to support people. Risks to people were assessed and mitigated as far as possible and people were supported safely with their medicines. Staff supported people to take positive risks and knew how to support people when they were upset or anxious. The environment at the service was safe and staff followed good IPC procedures to help keep the service clean.

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.

At our last inspection we rated this key question Requires improvement. At this inspection the rating has changed to Good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

People’s needs were assessed when they started using the service. If people’s needs changed then changes were made to the way they were supported, to ensure staff supported them with these. The staff team worked well with each other and with other professionals to help people stay healthy and achieve their health-related outcomes and goals. Staff supported people to achieve positive outcomes whilst living at the service. People were supported in line with the MCA and staff were trained in this.

Caring – this means we looked for evidence that the provider involved people and treated them with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.

At our last inspection we rated this key question Requires improvement. At this inspection the rating has changed to Good. This meant people were supported and treated with dignity and respect; and involved as partners in their care.

People and relatives were very positive about the kind and caring nature of the staff team. People were happy and relaxed being supported by the staff team. Staff knew people well as individuals and supported them to make choices about their support and be independent if they chose to be.

Responsive – this means we looked for evidence that the provider met people’s needs.

At our last inspection we rated this key question Requires Improvement. At this inspection the rating has changed to Good. This meant people’s needs were met through good organisation and delivery.

Staff supported people in line with their likes, dislikes and preferences. People were supported to communicate in ways that made sense to them. People were supported to follow their interests and be an active part of the local community. Care plans were person centred and detailed, giving clear guidance about how best to support people. People were being supported to have positive experiences and outcomes.

Well-led – this means we looked for evidence that service leadership, management and governance assured high-quality, person-centred care; supported learning and innovation; and promoted an open, fair culture.

At our last inspection we rated this key question Requires improvement. At this inspection the rating has changed to Good. This meant the service was consistently managed and well-led. Leaders and the culture they created promoted high-quality, person-centred care.

Governance measures and audits were effective in monitoring the quality of the service and implementing and making improvements in other areas where necessary. There was a positive culture at the service. People were happy with their support and enjoyed living at the service and following their past times. Staff enjoyed working at the service and felt well supported. There had been a lot of improvements at the service since our last inspection.