Avalon

People's experience of using this service: People were supported in a homely environment where the culture of the service was positive, enabling and inclusive. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

The registered manager had clear aims and objectives for the service. There was ongoing work to embed the values of providing personalised care, promoting independence, choice, rights and empowerment. Systems were in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service. Whilst the provider visited the service on a regular basis they did not carry out any formal, recorded, quality and safety monitoring in line with their own policy and procedural guidance. We recommended the provider ensure quality and safety monitoring visits are formally recorded in line with their policy.

People received care and support in line with the values that underpin the 'Registering the Right Support' and other best practice guidance. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service were supported to live as ordinary a life as any other citizen.

People were treated with dignity, respect and were relaxed in the presence of staff. Staff interacted with people in a king, caring and sensitive manner. Staff demonstrated a good knowledge of their roles and responsibilities in recognising abuse and safeguarding procedures for reporting concerns.

Staff understood people well and their preferred methods of communication, where they lacked verbal skills. Staff had respectful caring relationships with people they supported. They upheld people's dignity and privacy and promoted their independence.

Staff roles and responsibilities were clear. People were supported by skilled staff with the right knowledge and training. There were enough staff to support people, meet their needs and keep them safe.

People received their medicines as prescribed. Systems were in place for the safe management and supply of medicines. Incidents and accidents were investigated, trends analysed, and actions were taken to prevent recurrence.

Care plans were detailed with clear explanations of control measures for staff to follow to keep people safe. Support was planned and delivered in a structured way to ensure people's safety and wellbeing.

The service continued to be well led. The registered manager and deputy manager worked well to lead the staff team in their roles and ensure people continued to receive a good service. Staff and the registered manager demonstrated a genuine interest and passion to deliver personalised care based on people's likes, wishes and preferences.

People had access to a wide range of health and social care professionals for specialist advice and support.

Staff worked in partnership with professionals to deliver care and support and maintained links with the local community. There was a varied range of social activities on offer according to individual needs and choice.