Archived: Wargrave House LEAP

Updated 29 December 2017

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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

The inspection was carried out on 23 and 27 November by one adult social care inspector and was announced. The registered provider was given 24 hours' notice as we needed to be sure that someone would be available at the office.

During our inspection we observed care and support within the communal areas at the service. We spoke to two people supported by the service and two relatives. We spoke to four support staff, members of the therapy team, the registered manager and the nominated individual. We looked at two people’s care plans, three staff recruitment and training files and records that related to the management of the service.

Before the inspection the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

We also reviewed information that we held about the service. This included notifications we had received from the registered manager, safeguarding referrals, concerns about the service and other information from members of the public. We contacted the local safeguarding team who told us they had no immediate concerns regarding the service.

Updated 29 December 2017

The inspection took place on 23 and 27 November 2017 and was unannounced. At the last inspection on 23 February and 3 March 2015 the service was rated Good. At this inspection the service was rated overall good.

Wargrave house (LEAP) is purpose-built residential accommodation on the site of Wargrave school and college. The service accommodates up to 6 young adults between the ages of 19 and 25 years who are living with autism and attend the college that is also run by the registered provider. On the day of our inspection there were five people staying at the service. Each person stayed for between one and four days each week.

There was a registered manager at the service at the time of our inspection. 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 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The Care Quality Commission is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and to report on what we found. At our last inspection we found the registered provider was not fully following the requirements of the MCA. At this inspection records showed the registered provider had ensured all appropriate documentation was in place that included capacity assessments. The registered provider had policies and guidance available to staff in relation to the MCA. Staff demonstrated an understanding of this and had all completed training.

Systems in place for the recruitment of staff were robust and this ensured that only suitable staff were employed to work with the vulnerable people supported. Records showed that all staff had completed an induction at the start of their employment and also undertaken shadow shifts. All staff had completed mandatory training as well as additional training specific to their role. Staff were supported by the management team through regular supervision and team meetings. This meant that people were supported by staff that had the right skills and knowledge for the role.

The registered provider had safeguarding policies and procedures in place. Staff had all received training and demonstrated a good understanding of this topic.

A thorough assessment of people's needs was completed prior to them accessing the service. Individual care plans and risk assessments were in place and included 'What is important' and 'My health passport' documents. People and their chosen relative's had participated in the preparation of their person centred care plans.

People knew the staff that supported them by name and had developed positive relationships. Staff treated people with kindness and were caring in their manner.

People undertook activities of their choice. Feed back was sought from people on each day of their stay at the service. Annual feedback questionnaires were sent to relatives and positive feedback had been received.

Dietary needs were fully assessed and clear guidance and documentation was in place for the management of this. Relatives told us people's dietary needs were met.

The registered provider had documents available in accessible formats that included easy read and pictorial.

There was a clear complaints policy and procedure in place that was accessible to all people and their relatives.

The registered provider had up to date policies and procedures in place that were reviewed regularly.