Ash Tree

Date of Assessment: 26 February 2025 to 5 March 2025. We visited the service on 26 and 27 February 2025. The service is a residential care home providing support for up to 6 autistic people or people with a learning disability. We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. The environment did not fully meet everyone’s needs and was not always well maintained in a timely manner. Governance systems were in place, but auditing systems did not always result in timely improvements being made. Care plans were personalised but required further development to ensure these fully reflected people’s needs and evidenced involvement and consultation with people and relatives. Medicines were administered safely and regularly reviewed. Effective systems were in place to protect people from abuse. The provider worked well with healthcare professionals. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience. Managers made sure staff received training and regular supervision to meet people’s needs and to maintain staff wellbeing. People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. People had choice in their care, were supported in the least restrictive way, and were encouraged to maintain relationships with family and friends. Staff responded to people in a timely way. The registered manager was praised for being open and approachable and supportive of diversity. They and staff were committed to supporting people to achieve the best possible outcomes from their care.