Bateleur HC Ltd

This was the first inspection of the service.

At the time of the inspection, 1 autistic person was receiving the regulated activity of personal care. However, their support needs were limited. We expect health and social care providers to support people with a learning disability and autistic people to have choice, control, independence and inclusion in their local communities. ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ is the guidance CQC follows when assessing services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people. Providers must have regard to this guidance. We assessed the service against the principles of ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ and found the service was meeting these principles.

This inspection identified some areas where the effectiveness of care required strengthening. These related to the assessment and review of people’s needs, ensuring best practice guidance was consistently followed, and adherence to the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). However, we found no evidence that people had experienced any negative impact as a result of these issues. The provider was responsive to the feedback provided during the inspection and demonstrated a commitment to making the necessary improvements to further enhance the quality and consistency of care.

Care plans and risk assessments generally provided staff with up-to-date and detailed guidance. However, we identified some areas where improvements were required. We concluded these issues related to record keeping rather than the care people received, as people were supported by an established and experienced staff team who knew them well. We discussed our findings with the registered manager, who took immediate action to make improvements.

Overall, people received care at the agreed times. The provider had identified areas for improvement in relation to call timing and scheduling. Staff travel time was being reviewed and incorporated into care call scheduling arrangements.

Staff recruitment checks had been completed to help ensure staff were suitable to work with vulnerable people. Staff received an induction, ongoing training and support. At the time of the inspection, there were enough staff to meet people’s needs. Staff spoke positively about working for the service and about the leadership provided by the registered manager.

People were supported, as far as possible, to remain safe from abuse and avoidable harm. Staff had completed safeguarding training and were confident in recognising and reporting concerns.

People were supported to take their prescribed medicines safely. Their health needs were monitored, and staff took appropriate action when required to maintain people's safety, health and wellbeing.

Some people received support to access their local community, including assistance with shopping, banking, pursuing interests and hobbies, and maintaining social connections.

The provider had governance systems and processes in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service. While these were generally effective, some processes were more embedded than others. The registered manager was aware of this and was reviewing and strengthening aspects of the service's monitoring arrangements.

We received feedback from 1 external professional, who spoke positively about their experience of the service and how staff supported a person to achieve positive outcomes