Avenues South East Services (ASES)

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. 'Right support, right care, right culture' is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it.

Right Care: People received exceptional care from staff who were dedicated, well trained and passionate about achieving excellent outcomes for people. One relative told us, "The standard of loving care is unbelievable; all exceptionally good." A second relative said, "The staff were phenomenal. They are almost family as they are so loving and caring." People had been supported to personalise their own homes, and communal

areas, and staff saw their place of work as the person's home. Staff were skilled in using individualised communication methods so people could make their needs known and be in control of their lives. The provider used assistive technology where appropriate to increase people's independence. People had outstanding health outcomes because staff supported them in a way that took account of their sensory needs and autism. The provider worked with other professionals in imaginative and effective ways to ensure other agencies knew how to care for autistic people when they needed medical care.

Right Culture: People's homes had no outward signs to differentiate them from other houses in their streets. People lived near local shops and amenities or transport links were a short walk from where they lived. They were supported to be a part of their local community. The leadership and management of the service was exceptional. Support systems and one-to-one staffing levels meant the provider could quickly respond to crisis situations and least restrictive practices were used to avoid the need to use restraint. The provider led a culture where people were put first and actions bore this out. People and staff's unique abilities and protected characteristics were celebrated and promoted as part of a meaningful acknowledgment of diversity. The registered managers notified CQC that authorisations were in place as required by law. Leaders and managers played an active role in local and national strategies and schemes to improve the care sector.