Ellis House

Updated 10 February 2026

Date of Assessment: 12 February to 27 February 2026. This service is a residential care home for older and younger adults with mental health needs, sensory impairment, physical disabilities, and for adults with a learning disability and autistic people. 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 delivered Right Support by helping people live safely with consistent staffing, positive risk‑taking and well‑planned transitions. Staff understood people well, worked collaboratively with families and professionals and communicated in ways that suited each person. While improvements were needed in medicines storage and training records, the provider acted promptly and strengthened systems and oversight.

People experienced Right Care which was personalised, effective and based on good practice. Staff promoted independence, monitored health needs safely and used evidence‑based approaches such as Positive Behavioural Support. People were listened to, their choices were respected, and staff responded quickly and calmly to changes in need. Principles of consent and the Mental Capacity Act were applied appropriately.

A strong, values‑driven leadership approach created the Right Culture. The provider promoted transparency, equality and inclusion, which were reflected in everyday practice. Staff felt supported, confident to raise concerns and motivated to deliver high‑quality, compassionate care. Leaders were visible, approachable and responsive, helping to create a positive environment where people’s voices were central and staff worked collaboratively.

Updated 10 February 2026

People were not always able, or chose not, to communicate with us verbally. Therefore, we spent time observing interactions with staff and speaking with relatives. Staff engaged warmly with people, shared laughter, held meaningful conversations and supported them with dignity. People were encouraged to take part in daily routines, made choices and maintained control, whilst staff responded quickly and compassionately. Staff offered reassurance, promoted choice and supported people with patience, including helping them understand risks and feel confident when preparing for activities and outings.

Relatives told us people were safe and well supported by staff who understood their needs. They consistently described staffing as stable, with one relative saying, “The staff seem pretty well established. I have not seen any agency staff. Having continuity of staff is important.”

Relatives described the home as clean, comfortable and well maintained, and felt staff managed risks safely while helping people build confidence through new experiences.

Relatives said they were involved in care planning and staff supported people to make choices about their day, meals and activities. They described staff as respectful, knowledgeable and proactive in helping people stay healthy, including supporting people to attend health appointments and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

Relatives consistently described staff as kind and caring. One relative said, “Staff encourage independence skills. They try and get [my family member] to do things for themselves.” They told us staff recognised signs of anxiety, responded with patience and supported people sensitively. They also said staff used different communication aids to help people express themselves.

Relatives told us they had confidence in the registered manager and management team, describing leaders as approachable, open and responsive to feedback.

Overall, relatives felt people were safe, happy and well cared for. One relative said, “I think [person’s name] is very happy there. [Person] really does thrive there. It's very secure and there are always staff about so I am sure they are safe.”