About the service: Penniston Barn is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to six people with learning disabilities and autism. At the time of inspection, six people were using the service. The service was located in a rural location, away from populated areas.The care service had not originally been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen. However, people were given choices and their independence and participation within the community encouraged.
People’s experience of using this service:
• The service was not always cleaned to the required standard.
• There was an infection control risk due to poor cleaning and poor maintenance of areas within the home.
• Audits were not always effective in documenting what issues were found and what work was required.
• Timely action was not always taken to respond to known areas of required improvement.
• People received safe care. Staff understood safeguarding procedures.
• Risk assessments were in place to manage risks within people’s lives.
• Staff recruitment procedures ensured that appropriate pre-employment checks were carried out.
• Staffing support matched the level of assessed needs within the service during our inspection.
• Staff were trained to support people effectively.
• Staff were supervised well and felt confident in their roles.
• People were supported to have a varied diet.
• Healthcare needs were met, and people had access to health professionals as required.
• People's consent was gained before any care was provided, and they were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives.
• Staff treated people with kindness, dignity and respect and spent time getting to know them.
• People were supported in the least restrictive way possible.
• Care plans reflected people’s likes, dislikes and preferences.
• People were able to take part in a wide range of activities and outings.
• People and their family were involved in their own care planning as much as was possible.
• A complaints system was in place and was used effectively.
• The registered manager was open and honest, and worked in partnership with outside agencies to improve people’s support when required
• The service had a registered manager in place, and staff felt well supported by them.
Rating at last inspection: Good (report published 11/05/2016)
Why we inspected:
• This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.
Enforcement :
• Action we told provider to take (refer to end of full report)
Follow up:
• We will continue to monitor the service through the information we receive until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.