River Cottage

The service had been fully developed and without doubt designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures people 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 received exceedingly well planned and co-ordinated person-centred support, appropriate and inclusive for them.

Peoples health, well-being and communication were drastically improved as a direct impact from the level of personalised support they received from the staff team who continually supported people to develop, try new things, learn new skills to help achieve personal goals.

Peoples communication was massively improved from the innovative use of accessible information. This was used creatively and appropriately and was readily available for people throughout the home. This was done inclusively and made use of various formats to suit individuals.

The registered manager and staff supported people to make valuable connections to help tackle social isolation and to support each other. People were able to access a superb range of activities in the home and outside which promoted, education, improved wellbeing and community citizenship. This included the highly regarded Princes Trust and Duke of Edinburgh awards.

The registered manager developed bespoke training by using external resources to their advantage and this was used across the providers other services as a benchmark. Their expertise regarding creating person centred culture, a modern, homely environment and positive behaviour support was shared by the provider.

There were excellent systems in place for communicating with people, their relatives and staff to ensure they were fully included by one to one key worker meetings, handovers, team meetings, phone calls and emails.

People were supported emotionally and confidentially to have maximum choice and control of their lives

and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and leadership in the service ensured this practice was the norm. People were supported to build and maintain important personal relationships that mattered to them; with peers, friends and relatives.

People were empowered to have their say and to exercise their rights. Access to an advocacy service was available and taken up when needed. Support was provided in a way which put the people and their preferences first. Healthcare professionals were regularly involved with people and the home.

The environment was very clean, modern and homely and maintained to a very high standard with personalised features throughout. Audits and monitoring systems were used effectively to manage the service and to make improvements when required.

There were enough staff to support people. Staff received support and a variety of appropriate and personalised training to meet people's needs. Medicines were managed well, safely administered and recorded accurately. Individualised risk assessments were in place. Staff were confident they would raise concerns to safeguard people. Robust recruitment and selection procedures ensured suitable staff were employed.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure 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.