19 December 2013
During a routine inspection
Staff had received training about safeguarding and the prevention of abuse. We observed staff interacting in a respectful and gentle manner with people who use the service. They showed empathy and were patient during communication. The staff used communication methods as documented in the person's care plan, made efforts to check that they understood and gave the person time to think about their response.
We looked at the recruitment procedure and found it to be detailed and comprehensive. Staff had to have Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and two satisfactory references before commencing work. We saw records of training, supervision and appraisals in the staff files. Staff told us that they enjoyed their work and felt that the service was very good at expanding the person's experience of life and supporting them as they gained confidence. One relative told us that 'they help them to make choices. My relative is making more choices now than ever and they are becoming who they should be'