We carried out a review of the data available to us about Creative Support - Berkshire Services on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Creative Support - Berkshire Services, you can give feedback on this service.
Creative Support Pelham House (Pelham House) is a supported living service, which can provide support for up to 16 people living with autism or learning disabilities, with associated needs. There were 16 people receiving support at the time of the inspection, living in their individual self-contained flats within Pelham House.
Not everyone who uses the service received personal care. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were protected from discrimination, neglect and avoidable harm by staff who understood their responsibilities to safeguard people from abuse. The registered manager supported people to understand what keeping safe means, and how to raise any concerns they may have. Risks to people's safety had been identified, assessed thoroughly and were managed safely by staff. Robust recruitment procedures ensured only staff assessed to be suitable to work with people living with autism or a learning disability were appointed. There were enough staff to provide care to meet people’s needs. Senior staff completed regular competency assessments and observations, to ensure staff administered medicines and delivered support safely in accordance with their training, current guidance and regulations. Safe infection, prevention and control practices were being followed by people and staff, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The registered manager and senior staff effectively operated a system of supervision, appraisal, training and competency assessments, which enabled staff to deliver high quality care. Where required, staff completed additional training to meet individual complex needs. People experienced a healthy, balanced diet of their choice, which protected them from the risks of malnutrition and dehydration. The registered manager ensured people were referred promptly to appropriate healthcare professionals whenever their needs changed.
People experienced good continuity and consistency of care from staff who were kind and compassionate. The registered manager had created an inclusive, family atmosphere within the service. People were relaxed and comfortable in the presence of staff who invested time to develop meaningful relationships with them.
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. The outcomes for people using the service reflected these principles and values.
People were fully involved in decisions about their care and were supported to make choices. Staff understood how people communicated their needs and wishes and delivered care which respected people's likes and dislikes. People's care was centred around their needs by staff who supported them to engage in activities which enriched the quality of their life and had a positive impact on their well-being. Staff consistently treated people with dignity and respect and were sensitive to their needs regarding equality, diversity and their human rights.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People were protected from the risks associated with social isolation and were supported by staff to maintain special relationships with friends and relatives. The provider investigated complaints to drive improvement of the service. Compliments and complaints illustrated honesty and transparency in the management of the service.
The service was well managed and well-led by the registered manager who provided clear and direct leadership, which inspired staff to provide good quality care. The safety and quality of support people received was effectively monitored and assessed. This ensured identified shortfalls were acted upon.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 15 November 2019 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on when the service was first registered with us.
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.