Highfield Scheme Limited

Updated 20 January 2022

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 10 January 2022 and was announced. We gave the service one working day notice of the inspection.

Updated 20 January 2022

Highfield Scheme Limited is registered to provide personal care and support to people with a learning disability who are living in their own homes. This included people living in shared accommodation as part of a supported living arrangement. The aim of the service is to promote each person’s personal development, their independence and maximise their potential in all areas of life.

The service was managed by a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

At our last inspection carried out on 16, 17 and 18 February 2016 we rated the service as ‘Good’ overall. However, we found the provider did not have robust recruitment procedures for the safety and well-being of people who used the service. Following the inspection we received an action plan from the provider indicating how and when they would meet the relevant legal requirements. At this inspection we found sufficient improvements had been made.

We found there were management and leadership arrangements in place to support the day to day running of the service. Comments from staff indicated there was discontentment about some aspects of management, but we found action had been taken to make improvements.

Recruitment practices made sure appropriate checks were carried out before staff started working at the service. Staffing arrangements were sufficient. Support was provided in response to people’s agreed plan of care.

People we spoke with indicated they felt safe with the service. Staff spoken with were aware of the signs and indicators of abuse. They knew what to do if they had any concerns and were confident in reporting matters. Staff had received training on safeguarding and protection.

Risks to people’s well-being were being assessed and managed. Systems were in place to maintain a safe environment for people who used the service and others.

Where applicable people were supported with shopping for provisions, cooking, eating and drinking. People’s individual dietary needs, likes and dislikes were known and catered for. Arrangements were in place to help make sure people had a balanced diet and healthy eating was encouraged.

People were effectively supported with their healthcare needs and medical appointments. Changes in people’s health and well-being were monitored and responded to.

We observed positive and respectful interactions between people using the service and staff. People made positive comments about the staff team.

Arrangements were in place to gather information on people’s backgrounds, their needs, abilities, preferences and routines before they used the service.

Each person had a care plan, describing their individual needs, preferences and lifestyle choices. This provided guidance for staff on how to provide support. People’s needs and choices were kept under review and changes were responded to.

Staff expressed a practical awareness of promoting people’s dignity, rights and choices. People were supported to engage in meaningful activities in their homes and in the community. Beneficial relationships with relatives and other people were supported.

People were supported as much as possible to make their own choices and decisions. We saw staff consulting with people and involving them in routine decisions. We found the service was working within the principles of the MCA (Mental Capacity Act 2005).

Processes were in place to support people with any concerns or complaints. There was an ‘easy read’ complaints procedure for people, which provided step by step guidance on making a complaint.

There were systems in place to consult with people who used the service and staff, to assess and monitor the quality of their experiences.