Summer Cottage

Summer Cottage is registered under the provider name of Dalskats Limited and operates under a brand name of "Home Orchard, along with three other local services. The three other services and Summer Cottage share some administrative facilities, records and management systems, and are all located within approximately 400 yards of each other. The services work closely together; staff work between the services by agreement and people living in each service mix socially and share some day activities.

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 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.

There was a stable, happy and well-trained staff group. There were enough staff to support each person in their daily activities. Care was taken when recruiting staff to ensure new staff were entirely suitable for the job. People were involved in choosing new staff. A relative said, "Staff know her well. They can recognise the signs of any upset". Another relative said, "The staff very good. I am happy with the support. They know her very well - what makes her tick".

People were given help and encouragement by staff to keep their home clean. The bungalow was well maintained and safe. People were involved and consulted in all aspects of the home. Each person's bedroom was decorated and furnished to reflect their interests and preferences. Risk assessments had been carried out on the environment, equipment, and on people's health, wellbeing and daily activities. Support plans explained each person's health and personal care needs and how they wanted to be supported.

People were supported to eat a healthy diet. They used eggs, fruit, vegetables and honey from the gardens at Palace Farm along with other ingredients from local shops. People told us how they chose their own meals and helped to prepare them.

The service was well-led. People, staff and relatives praised the providers and management team for their caring ethos. A member of staff told us, "(The provider's) ethos is good. Independence, dignity and respect. (The providers) are always looking to improve. They want the best for everyone." There were systems in place to ensure the service was well run. The providers sought the views of people living there, staff and relatives through questionnaires, meetings, supervisions and reviews. People, staff and relatives were involved and consulted about all areas of the home and care provided.

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

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 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 for them to gain new skills and become more independent.