Grammar School House

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 an adapted historic school house, bigger than most domestic style properties, but with ongoing refurbishment, lack of 'care home signage,' ensures the premises is noted on its historic value, not as a care home. Its location in the village, within close walking distance of the local shops and facilities is supportive of people being part of / involved in the local community.

People's experience of using this service: Relatives were complementary about the service and would recommend it to others. One relative told us, "Staff know the clients so well, know what people need…whole place has such a nice family feel." Another said, "I just feel so lucky, care is second to none."

People were supported by management and staff who were highly motivated, kind and compassionate.

Staff supported people to keep safe and acted when necessary to prevent any harm or discrimination. People were supported to receive their medicines as prescribed.

People were supported to eat healthy. Staff had built up good relationships with health professionals to ensure people's learning disability and healthcare needs were met and supported.

Staff received the right training and guidance to enable them to effectively support people. People's complex needs were well planned for.

The service had built up good links with the local community and supported people to access a range of activities to take part in if they wished. Visitors praised the welcoming atmosphere of the service.

Staff knew people well and understood people's communication needs, preferred routines, likes and dislikes and what mattered to them.

Care plans were person centred and showed people and family members who played a significant in people's lives had been consulted. Staff were responsive in identifying and reviewing changes to support good physical and mental health.

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.

The provider had systems in place to check on the safety and quality of the service people received and act on the information to drive continuous improvement.