During an assessment under our new approach
Ashlee residential home is a residential care home for adults of all ages and can accommodate up to 21 people. Our assessment began with an unannounced on-site visit on 8 and 9 April 2026, at which time 19 people were using the service. We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed autistic people and people with a learning disability respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. At the time of the assessment, the service was not supporting any autistic people or people with a learning disability, but the provider had regard to ‘Right support, right care, right culture’. Following the visit, the assessment continued off site, during which we reviewed documentation and gathered feedback from further staff and relatives. Staff were consistently described as kind, caring, and compassionate. People were supported to participate in decisions about their care and felt listened to. They received assistance from staff who knew them well, demonstrated confidence in their roles, and understood how to provide support safely and effectively.
The home was undergoing refurbishment at the time of our assessment. Although an action plan was in place, not all necessary actions had specified target dates, meaning we could not determine how long the work would take to complete. Some relatives reported that they felt the refurbishment was taking too long and made the home appear untidy.
Improvements were also required in medicines management record keeping. The service was using a combination of electronic and paper systems, particularly for PRN (as required) medicines, which made reviewing records during medication rounds more challenging. Issues identified included a discrepancy in PRN stock levels and an unused medicine that had been prescribed six months earlier but not administered. Initially, staff were unclear why it had not been given; however, it was later confirmed that the medicine had been discontinued. This demonstrated the need for more accurate recording, regular auditing, and the timely return of unused medicines. Following the assessment, the manager confirmed that the service had ceased using electronic records and had returned to a fully paper-based system.
A range of activities was planned and delivered in line with people’s individual needs, preferences, and interests. People’s independence was promoted, and their dignity and privacy were respected. Care plans and risk assessments reflected people’s needs and helped staff manage risks safely. Staff were trained and well supported by managers, which helped ensure safe and effective care.
The management team promoted a positive learning culture and focused on continuous improvement. They worked with partner organisations and involved people, relatives, and staff in developing the service.