Rubery Court

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service 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 receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

The service was a large home, bigger than a domestic style property although it did not present as a care home. Support staff did not wear anything that suggested they were care staff when coming and going with people and transport used by the service was not identifiable as anything other than family transport.

As part of thematic review, we carried out a survey with the registered manager at this inspection. This considered whether the service used any restrictive intervention practices (restraint, seclusion and segregation) when supporting people.

The service used positive behaviour support principles to support people in the least restrictive way. No restrictive intervention practices were used.

People were safe, and staff were aware of how to minimise risks to people and promote their safety, whilst considering their rights. Staff knew how to work with people to identify risks and change their approach to minimise these.

People were supported by care staff that were caring and expressed interest in people and the support they provided them. People received person centred care and support based on their individual needs and

preferences. Staff were knowledgeable about people, their needs and preferences and used this to develop a good relationship with people.

People were supported by care staff who had the skills and knowledge to meet their needs. There was some need for training refreshers, but this had been identified and training updates had been booked. Staff understood, felt confident and well supported in their role. People's health was supported as staff worked with other health care providers when needed to support people's healthcare needs.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff understood they should support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People enjoyed meals that reflected their preferences and there was access to a range of foods that met people's needs due to their health, culture or specific preferences. People's care plans reflected people's needs and preferences. Staff were able to explain how people were involved to ensure care plans were person centred and involved people and their wider family. We saw the service was responsive to information from people and relatives.

People could complain, and concerns were listened to and responded to by staff. Complaints and comments were used as a tool to drive improvement of the service.

People, relatives and staff were able to share their views with staff. People enjoyed living at Rubery Court and were able to follow their chosen routines and enjoyed access to activities at the service or in the community.

Quality monitoring systems included audits and regular checks on people's satisfaction with the service they received. The provider had systems in place to ensure they kept up to date with developments in the sector and changes in the law.

The registered manager and staff were approachable, organised, listened and responded to them and acted on feedback when they shared this with them. The registered manager demonstrated they wished to improve the service further, for example developing care records further so they would be more person centred.

Outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible to gain new skills and become more independent.