Hereward College

People were protected by the provider's recruitment procedures. The provider made appropriate Pre-employment checks to ensure only suitable staff were employed. Staff understood their responsibilities in terms of safeguarding people from abuse and knew how to report concerns if they suspected abuse.

People's care and support needs were assessed before they moved into the home. Care plans detailed how care workers should support people to meet those needs. Staff had received training and support relevant to people's needs. People were supported to maintain a balanced diet. 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. People were supported in a clean and hygienic environment. Staff were aware of processes to reduce the risk of cross infection.

People told us that staff were kind, caring and respectful. We observed positive interactions between people and staff. People's privacy and dignity were maintained, and staff were aware of the importance of supporting people to develop their independence.

People received care that was personalised to their needs and preferences. Staff understood how to support people in a way that respected their equality and diversity and took into account any religious or cultural requirements. Information was provided to people in a format they could understand. People were supported to maintain contact with people who were important to them, and were supported to follow their hobbies and interests.

The provider and registered manager worked in partnership with health and social care professionals to plan and deliver care which met people's needs. The provider sought feedback about the service from people, their relatives, staff, and health and social care professionals. They used this information to help drive improvement of the service. People and relatives were aware of how to raise concerns. No complaints had been received at the time of our inspection. Staff enjoyed working at the service and felt supported by the registered manager.

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people. The service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture.

Care was person centred to promote dignity and human rights. People were involved in all aspects of their care and were supported make choices relating to the care they received. People were supported to gain independence in ways which were important to them, such as accessing public transport or learning cooking skills. The behaviours of leaders and care staff ensured people using services lead more confident, inclusive and empowered lives.