22 September 2014
During a routine inspection
The focus of the inspection was to answer five key questions; is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what people using the service and the staff told us, what we observed and the records we looked at.
Is the service safe?
There were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of people who used the service. The staff we spoke with were knowledgeable about their roles and demonstrated a good understanding of the individual needs of the people they were supporting. Staff had received training specific to their role which helped them to keep people safe.
CQC is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and to report on what we find. During our inspection we saw evidence that people had been assessed in accordance with these safeguards in line with procedures and we found the provider was compliant. The registered manager demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of the safeguards which showed us they understood their responsibilities to the people who used the service.
Is the service effective?
One person who used the service told us "The staff are good and very kind. My key worker takes me to the shops and I can talk to them about anything". Staff told us "We help to empower people" and "We change people's lives for the better and it's brilliant to see the changes".
Care records we saw were generally well documented and up to date. Support plans were in-depth but had not always been reviewed and updated to reflect when people's needs changed. Daily diary records were up to date and well written.
Is the service caring?
We observed staff playing, talking and dancing with people. People who used the service were laughing and were relaxed around the staff. Staff we saw were kind to people and treated them with respect. Staff told us "We care about each other" and "It's like a family here".
Is the service responsive?
Support plans showed that people's likes and dislikes had been documented. Positive behaviour support plans were in place. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible.
People had access to support services when required. Staff supported people when required.
Is the service well-led?
Staff told us they enjoyed working at The Old Rectory. They told us they felt well supported and listened to.
There were effective systems in place to monitor the quality of services provided. People and their representatives were regularly asked for their feedback on the service they received.