Wellfield

The service had a proactive and positive culture of safety and care was delivered safely and effectively. Staff understood how to recognise, record and escalate incidents, and there was evidence that incidents, risks and near misses were reviewed to promote learning and improve practice. Risks were assessed, monitored and managed appropriately through comprehensive, child-centred risk assessments and clear control measures. Safeguarding arrangements were effective, with staff demonstrating a good understanding of their responsibilities and receiving appropriate training. Care was coordinated with partner agencies to support safe pathways and transitions, and staffing levels and skills were sufficient to meet children’s needs safely. Infection prevention and control arrangements were embedded into practice and medicines were managed safely through appropriate storage, oversight, auditing and administration processes. Communication methods and risk management approaches were adapted to support children’s individual needs and reduce risks to their safety and wellbeing. There were no breaches of regulation identified under this key question.

Children received effective care and treatment that reflected current evidence-based guidance and recognised standards. Staff planned and delivered care that met the child’s complex physical and emotional health needs. Care records demonstrated effective involvement from specialist health professionals, and multidisciplinary reviews identified improvements in children’s outcomes. Staff worked collaboratively with health, education and social care professionals to support consistent delivery of care and treatment. Children were supported to be involved in decisions about their care through the use of appropriate communication, explanation and choice. No breaches of regulation were identified in this key question.

Children were treated with kindness, compassion and dignity. Staff consistently adapted their approach to meet children’s individual communication, emotional and physical needs, and there was a strong culture of building trusting relationships. Care plans and risk assessments promoted privacy, dignity, independence and respect, while the home environment reflected children’s identities, interests and preferences. Children received care and support that was tailored to their individual needs, helping them to feel valued and respected. We found no breaches of regulation under this key question.

Children received personalised care that was centred on their individual needs, preferences and experiences. Staff worked closely with children and those involved in their care to understand how they communicated, what was important to them and how best to support their wellbeing. Care plans and risk assessments reflected children's individual needs and preferred ways of regulating emotions, and care, routines and support were adapted accordingly. Children, families and carers were actively involved in planning and decisions about care, with staff encouraging meaningful choices, adapting communication approaches and responding to feedback. The provider demonstrated a clear commitment to listening to children and using their views and experiences to shape care and support.

The service was well led. Leaders understood the needs of children and the environment in which care and support were delivered. Staff consistently described managers as approachable, knowledgeable and responsive, and told us they felt able to raise concerns and contribute to improvements. Leaders maintained effective oversight through governance arrangements, regular review processes and ongoing monitoring of service delivery. The provider worked effectively with partner agencies and demonstrated a commitment to learning and improvement through reflective practice, review of incidents and feedback from staff and professionals. Governance processes supported accountability and helped ensure oversight of key operational areas was maintained.