55 Sandwich Road

Ratings

• Overall

  Good

• Safe

  Good

• Effective

  Good

• Caring

  Good

• Responsive

  Good

• Well-led

  Good

Our view of the service

Date of Inspection: 31 March to 2 April 2026. 55 Sandwich Road is a residential care home registered to support 2 people with a learning disability and autistic people. At the time of our inspection 2 people were living at the service, both of whom were receiving the regulated activity of accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care

We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ (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. The service was delivering care that promoted the rights of people and empowered them to have a positive quality of life.

People were cared for by a compassionate and knowledgeable team of staff, who worked collaboratively with people to support them in taking part in activities that were meaningful to them. People and their loved ones were actively involved in their care which was shaped around their individual strengths, wishes and preferences. Independence and choice were actively promoted, and care was based on the principles of consent. The service gave people a voice and allowed people to participate in their wider communities in a way that was accessible to them.

There were robust management systems in place to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the service. This included regular checks that people’s care continued to meet their needs and preferences. Leaders led by example and were committed to supporting the wellbeing of people and their staff. They had developed a positive culture which promoted ongoing quality improvement, where learning was actively sought to improve people’s experience.

There were sufficient numbers of suitably trained and safely recruited staff to support people. Care was delivered in a property that was adapted to meet people’s needs and was a warm and inviting space. Some minor improvements were needed to ensure all risks to people within the property were addressed.

The provider ensured people received the care they needed, when they needed it and worked to promote people in living healthy and positives lives. They worked in partnership with other organisations to make sure people received care that was joined up and responsive to their changing needs.

People's experience of this service

Not all people living at the service could communicate verbally, so we observed their experience of care using the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). This is a structured tool used by inspectors to observe care interactions and give voice to the experience of people who may not be able to do so themselves. We observed that people felt comfortable in using the space as their own home and were treated with exceptional kindness by a staff team who new them very well. They were engaged in regular positive activities and if they required additional support this was provided without delay. Relatives we spoke to were complimentary about the care their loved ones received and the impact individual staff had on their lives. One relative told us, “The staff there are beautiful, very kind and have a lot of love in their heart. I’ve got a lot of gratitude for them. My relative has a happy life and things are marvellous”