About the serviceEducation and Services for People with Autism Limited - 7 The Cedars is a residential service for up to seven people with autism spectrum condition. The accommodation for six people is within a large detached house and the seventh place is within a separate converted coach house in the grounds. At the time of this visit there were seven people using the service.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them. The home was well personalised, with no obvious signage indicating it was a care home. The feel of the service was homely, relaxed and determined by people’s needs.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The service had a pioneering and holistic approach to assessing and acting on people’s needs. Staff worked exceptionally well with external health and social care professionals to ensure people could access healthcare. People enjoyed a range of significantly improved health and wellbeing outcomes thanks to the service’s approach to health screening, reasonable adjustments and incorporating of best practice into processes and training.
Adaptations to the service were innovative, person-centred and had a demonstrable impact on people’s wellbeing and ability to act independently.
People were safe. Staff supported people positively to reduce anxieties, agitation and to empower people to take part in positive activities. Risk assessments were comprehensive and person-centred.
Staff were knowledgeable regarding medicines and worked closely with external specialists.
Staffing levels were safe. Premises were well maintained and clean.
Relatives and external healthcare professionals were confident in staff and their ability to keep people safe.
Incidents, accidents and safeguarding matters were documented and analysed. Staff understood their safeguarding responsibilities and were well supported and trained by the provider.
Staff received excellent training and support, including bespoke additional training from the registered manager.
People's needs were comprehensively assessed and regularly reviewed. Staff had a sound understanding of people’s communication needs.
Activities were geared towards people’s interests and had regard to people’s aspirations. The provider’s day centre was nearby and there were strong community links in place.
People’s rooms were well personalised. Communal areas and outdoor spaces offered people a range of options.
Staff interacted with people affectionately and with appropriate humour; people were comfortable with staff who they had got to know over several years in some cases.
Relatives, external health and social care professionals and staff though the service was well-managed. There were clear quality assurance and auditing processes in place. The registered manager continually sought ways to improve the service with a view to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for people.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 13 July 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.