FitzRoy Supported Living - Uckfield

This assessment was carried out between 16 May and 13 June 2025. We visited the service on 16 and 21 May 2025. The service specialised in the care of people with a learning disability and autistic people. We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

This assessment was undertaken to review any improvements from the last inspection completed in October 2019 when the service was rated Requires Improvement. At this assessment further improvements were noted, and the service is now rated Good. Improvements included the handling of complaints and recording discussions surrounding end of life decisions. The service mainly used electronic records, problems with the internet connection and system navigation caused some issues and delays in accessing and completing records. However, staff knew people very well, so impact from this was low although staff were frustrated with the delays caused.

Staff focussed on a very person-centred approach to care and support. They put people, their views and choices at the centre of everything they did. Everyone was supported to share their views and aspirations. People’s dignity, privacy and human rights were maintained. Staff recognised any sign of distress or anxiety in people and responded effectively. For example, one person was unsure about the inspector being in the communal areas of the bungalow. Staff responded quickly providing reassurances and ensuring they felt safe.

People were supported to have enjoyable and meaningful lives. Contact with family and friends was given a high priority, valued and promoted.

Staff and people benefited from an open and positive culture in the service. The service learned from incidents changing and improving practice when needed. People were supported by a team of staff who knew them well and worked well together. Staff felt valued, undertook regular training and received supervision. Quality audits and reviews were used to monitor and improve the service. There was a stable and effective leadership team in place.