Rowandale

People's experience of using this service and what we found: 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 most domestic style properties. It was registered to support 11 people. 11 people were using the service. This is larger than current best practice guidance. There were two communal areas a sensory room situated just off the large lounge/dining room. This room was also a route through to other rooms. The service had tried to mitigate the impact of this on people. For one person who found it too busy, a separate lounge area had been created. People's bedrooms were spacious and reflected their taste and preferences. People had busy lives which reduced the amount of time they spent in the home.

People living at Rowandale continued to receive an exceptionally person-centred service. The provider went above and beyond to understand and respond to people's needs and preferences. Using total communication techniques, they had supported people's ability to express themselves and included their wishes in care planning and activities. People were engaged in a broad range of meaningful activities which improved their quality of life.

People continued to be safe and protected from the risk of abuse and avoidable harm. Comprehensive risk assessments followed best practice guidance and included positive risk taking to optimise people's opportunities to engage in activities.

The provider followed their robust recruitment procedure which ensured all staff had been safely employed. Induction training was thorough and the training for staff was up to date which meant they could provide effective care.

People's needs had been thoroughly assessed and their care plans included input from families and community-based professionals. People's health needs were identified, and they were supported to maintain regular appointments and screening.

People were supported to eat and drink, the service employed a speech and language therapist

(swallowing) who provided specialist advice for people needing modified diets. Dieticians were involved when required for people who were nutritionally at risk.

The provider were compliant with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. People had been supported to make decisions in line with the best interest process in the Act.

Staff were observed to be kind and caring throughout the inspection. People were supported respectfully in ways that upheld their dignity. Excellent communication strategies ensured people had been supported to express their views.

The service was well led by a committed management team who continued to maintain high-quality, person-centred care, by leading by example and using effective checks and audits of care provided. Good communication at handovers, team meetings and one to one meetings ensured the team were well supported and informed.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk