Woodpecker Lodge

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.

Staff expressed mixed views on the management of the service. Some staff lacked confidence bringing concerns about people's care to the attention of the registered manager. The provider's quality assurance systems and processes were not as effective as they needed to be, and had not enabled the provider to address the shortfalls in quality we identified during our inspection. The provider and registered manager did not fully seek to engage positively with people and staff and involve them in the service.

Staff were clear how to identify and report abuse. Checks were completed on the premises and equipment in use to keep people, staff and visitors safe. There were enough staff on duty to safely meet people's individual care needs. Pre-employment checks were carried out on prospective staff before they were allowed to start work at the home. Staff supported people to take and manage their medicines safely. Measures were in place to protect people, visitors and staff from the risk of infections.

People's care plans were individualised and supported a person-centred approach. People's individual communication needs were assessed and addressed. People had support to participate in social and recreational activities and to identify and access work opportunities in their local community. People and their relatives knew how to raise concerns and complaints about the service. People's wishes regarding their end-of-life care were assessed, in order to address these at the relevant time.

People and their relatives spoke about their positive relationships with staff and the registered manager. Staff and management sought to work effectively with community health and social care professionals to ensure people's care needs were addressed.