Our current view of the service
Updated
20 May 2026
Date of Assessment: 6 July 2026 to 16 July 2026. The service is a nursing home providing care and support to younger adults with a learning disability or autism, physical disabilities and sensory impairments.
We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ 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.
The service was in breach of regulations relating to safe care and treatment and good governance.
Risks were not always identified or managed safely. Information about prescribed food and fluid consistencies was inconsistent, placing people at risk of harm. Improvements were also needed in fire safety, the assessment of window safety, infection prevention and control, medicines management, safeguarding notifications and future care planning.
Governance systems and audits had not identified or addressed all concerns, including discrepancies in care records and issues with the call bell system.
Leaders and staff promoted a positive, inclusive and person-centred culture, but stronger oversight was required to ensure improvements were implemented, monitored and sustained. The provider was open and responsive to feedback and took action to address some immediate concerns.
People told us they felt safe, happy and supported. Staff treated people with exceptional kindness, compassion and respect and promoted their independence, choice and control. People were encouraged to be active agents in their care decisions and choices were reflected, respected and upheld.
People received personalised support to pursue meaningful relationships, interests, employment, holidays and community activities. Assistive technology was used creatively to increase people’s independence and participation. There were enough suitably trained staff, and staff worked effectively with healthcare professionals to support people’s health and wellbeing.
Staff spoke positively about their roles and support they received from leaders. Leaders were held in high regard and were visible and approachable within the service.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.
People's experience of the service
Updated
20 May 2026
Although people told us they felt safe, the provider had not always managed risks effectively. Inconsistent information about prescribed food and fluid consistencies, together with concerns relating to medicines, infection prevention and the environment, increased the risk of harm.
People consistently told us that issues with the call bell system meant response times by staff were delayed when they required support.
People had a positive experience of living at Foundation House and described feeling happy, safe and supported. People valued the friendly atmosphere and the strong relationships they had developed with staff. One person told us, “I’m very happy,” and another said, “I chose to live here, staff are friendly, it’s a nice atmosphere. Staff are really supportive.” Relatives also spoke positively about the care provided, with one describing Foundation House as “the answer to my prayers.”
People were treated with exceptional kindness, compassion and respect. Staff knew people well and supported them in an attentive and unrushed way. People were encouraged to lead conversations, make decisions and maintain control over their daily lives. We observed staff seeking consent and respecting people’s wishes.
People were supported to shop, travel, work, attend places of worship, maintain relationships and take part in holidays, music, sport and community activities. Assistive technology enabled people to communicate, manage aspects of their home environment and participate in activities that were important to them.
People were involved in planning their care and could share their views through keyworker discussions, resident meetings and everyday conversations. They knew how to raise concerns, and one person told us a previous complaint had been resolved quickly. However, some people felt staff communication was not always consistent. People and relatives also raised concerns about call bell response times and said staffing arrangements could sometimes limit access to trips or transport.
Although not everyone was able to express their experiences during this assessment, we observed people appeared comfortable with staff and regularly sought them out for warm and familiar interactions. Most people received one-to-one support and were engaged in activities, spending time in their rooms or out of the service. Overall, Foundation House had a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, and people experienced caring relationships and meaningful opportunities, but improvements were required to ensure their safety and support were consistently well managed.