Archived: Autism Wessex-Colcombe Cottage

We observed the support that people received, looked at the documents held by provider and spoke with the manager and two members of staff. We spoke with one relative who told us they were 'happy, confident with the care given' and that there were 'varied activities' and that their relative 'likes the farm visits'.

We looked at two care records; they clearly set out people's needs and preferences and gave detailed guidance on how people should be supported. During our inspection we saw a range of activities taking place that people participated in and enjoyed. One person showed us the shopping list in pictorial form that they were going to use that day whilst two people enjoyed taking part in a 'Keep Fit' session together with two members of staff.

The staff we spoke with told us that the manager was very supportive and that they had received training that equipped them with the right skills to support the people who use the service. Staff were able to describe safeguarding procedures and their role in keeping people safe.

The provider had effective systems in place to monitor the ongoing performance of the service.

Some of the people who lived in this service were unable to talk with us. Because of this we looked at records, talked with staff and observed the way that the care was provided.

However, some people were able to tell us that they were well looked after. We saw that the staff asked them how they would like things to be done, respected their privacy and treated them with respect.

People were able to make it clear to us that they liked living at Colcombe Cottage. Some said such things as 'I like it' and 'It's nice'.

People told us that they felt able to raise any issues with the managers or staff should they have any concerns. Staff talked of their awareness of how to keep people safe from harm. They told us about the training that the home had arranged for them to attend so that they would recognise abuse and how to report it.

We saw that staff were always available when people needed help. People told us that staff were friendly and always acted professionally.

The service's staff held regular meetings with the people who live in the home to find out what they thought about how their care was delivered.