Springfield

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 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.

We met and spoke to both people during our visit. However, people who lived at Springfield had some communication difficulties due to their learning disability and associated conditions, such as autism. Therefore, they were not able to tell us verbally about all their experience of living there and we spent very short periods of time with people. Staff informed us how people spent their day.

People's relatives said they felt their loved ones were safe with the staff supporting them. However, there were some issues raised about the wellbeing of one person and the lack of activities they were involved with. After the inspection we received information that measures had been put in place to resolve these issues. Systems were in place to safeguard people. Risks to them were identified and managed.

People received their medicines safely in the way prescribed for them. Infection control measures were in place to prevent cross infection. Staff were suitably recruited. Staffing levels were flexible to enable the service to provide a bespoke service to people to meet their needs.

People were supported by staff who completed an induction, training and were supervised. The support required by people with health and nutritional needs was identified and provided.

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

Relatives felt the staff were kind and caring. People's privacy and independence were promoted.

Systems were in place to deal with concerns and complaints. People where supported by staff to complete monthly satisfaction questionnaire. The questionnaire was available in a easy read format and held information for people to raise a complaint.

People's computerised care records were detailed and personalised to meet individual needs. Staff understood people's needs and responded when needed. People were not able to be fully involved with their support plans, therefore family members or advocates supported staff to complete and review people's support plans. People's preferences were sought and respected.

People had staff support to access activities and holidays. This was flexible and provided in response to people's choices.

People's communication needs were known by staff. Staff had received training in how to support people with different communication needs. Staff and a relative were positive about the management of the service. Staff told us senior management and the registered manager were very approachable and always available for advice and support. However, we received feedback from professionals and relatives on the frequent changes of managers and staff team which they felt did not help with continuity.

Records were accessible and up to date. The service was audited, and action taken to address any areas identified that needed improving. Staff were committed to providing good outcomes for people.