- Care home
Cartref House
Assessment report published 20 October 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
The inspection was carried out between 19 August and 21 September 2026.
We completed this assessment to follow up on concerns received about the service and because of the age of the rating of the service.
Cartref House is a care home providing accommodation and or personal care for up to 6 people. This is a specialist service for autistic people and people with a learning disability. It provides support for people who may display distressed behaviours. At the time of the inspection 5 people were living at the home.
‘Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture’ (RSRCRC) is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it. We assessed the service against RSRCRC guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.
People told us they felt supported by staff. We observed kind and caring interactions. Staff knew people well and supported them in ways that reflected their individual needs, preferences, communication styles and goals. People were encouraged to make choices, develop independence and participate in education, employment-related opportunities, community activities and daily living tasks.
Professionals spoke positively about the service’s collaborative approach and described staff as person-centred, responsive and committed to helping people build skills and achieve positive outcomes. The service worked with healthcare professionals and partner organisations to support people’s health, wellbeing and future aspirations.
Staff understood safeguarding responsibilities and there were systems in place to monitor incidents, risks and outcomes. The environment was generally safe and well maintained, and people were supported to access healthcare services and remain connected with their communities. However, we identified areas where safety and governance arrangements were not consistently effective. Risk management records were sometimes incomplete or inconsistent and we found a person had not always received ‘as required’ medicine to manage their health need. Learning from incidents, audits and reviews were not always robustly recorded or evaluated for effectiveness. Leaders were aware of areas for improvement in their governance and oversight prior to our inspection and had introduced new audit and oversight systems. They responded positively to feedback during the assessment.
Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and committed to improving outcomes for people. Staff told us they felt supported and able to raise concerns.
People's experience of this service
People had a positive experience of living at the service and appeared comfortable and relaxed with staff. A person described it as, “One of the best places I have been and got well.” People were seen laughing, talking affectionately with staff and confidently approaching them for help. Staff knew people well and adjusted their communication when people became anxious or upset. They offered reassurance and, used humour and distraction to respond promptly to people’s emotional needs.
People were supported to make choices and develop independence. They chose meals, planned shopping, prepared food, completed household tasks and took part in managing their medicines where appropriate. People enjoyed activities including cooking, crafts, games, exercise, visiting local shops, going to cafés and spending time in the community. A person was working towards a qualification, and another was being supported to rebuild confidence using transport. People’s rooms were personalised with photographs, drawings and belongings that were important to them.
People told us there were enough staff to support their daily activities. Staff were observed seeking people’s preferences, including who supported them and what they wanted to wear, eat or do. People used verbal communication, pictures and emotion cards to express choices and feelings.
A relative said their family member appeared comfortable, staff were friendly and approachable, and staff understood the person’s moods, preferences and triggers.