- Care home
Danescourt
Assessment report published 1 July 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Danescourt is a care home providing accommodation and personal or nursing care for up to 6 adults with learning disabilities. At the time of the assessment, 4 people were receiving care and support.
We completed a comprehensive assessment due to the time elapsed since the previous inspection, where the service was rated Good. Following this assessment, the overall rating changed to Requires Improvement. We identified 3 breaches of regulation relating to consent, good governance, and safe care and treatment.
We assessed the service against the principles of Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture. The provider could not demonstrate these were consistently met in practice.
Improvements were required to ensure records, risk management systems, medicines processes and oversight arrangements were robust, accurate and reflective of people’s current needs. Care records and risk assessments, although reviewed, lacked sufficient detail to guide staff in meeting assessed needs.
Records relating to legal frameworks and restrictions did not consistently provide clear guidance. Staff were not trained to administer medicines when people were out in the community, which meant people could not always access medicines in a flexible and person-centred way. This created restrictions on how people accessed activities and increased the risk of unmet health needs.
Records did not consistently demonstrate that risks had been fully assessed, escalated, monitored or shared with relevant professionals where required. Medicines processes required strengthening to ensure safe, person-centred care, including clearer protocols, accurate recording and improved oversight.
Records did not demonstrate people had consented to care or, where capacity was in doubt, there were not always records available to demonstrate assessments of capacity had been completed. Staff told us, and records indicated, some people may lack capacity. Information relating to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) was not consistently recorded within care records or readily accessible to staff, and care records did not always include current or specific guidance needed to ensure people were supported safely and in line with any conditions or restrictions.
Environmental risks were identified on the first day of inspection, including unsafe storage of hazardous substances and an obstructed fire exit. These were addressed promptly; however, they highlighted the need for improvements to routine safety checks and oversight arrangements.
People were supported to maintain their hobbies and interests; however, arrangements for medicines administration reduced flexibility and could impact people's ability to access the community independently. Care records did not always include sufficient detail about people’s health needs. Oversight by the registered manager and provider governance systems had not consistently identified or addressed the concerns found during this assessment and required strengthening. Information requested during the assessment was not always readily available at the time it was requested, which limited timely assurance regarding some areas of risk, quality and governance. Improvements were made in response to concerns raised during the inspection; however, further action was required to address all areas identified.
People were involved in their care, including choosing their food and drink and taking part in developing life skills. People told us staff were kind and caring and that they felt safe.
Staff worked with other professionals to support positive outcomes and smooth transitions between services.
We requested an action plan from the provider in response to the concerns identified.
People's experience of this service
We spoke with 3 people who were all positive about their experience of living at Danescourt. Each person expressed satisfaction with the care and support they received, and all confirmed that they felt safe living at the service. One person said, “Yes, I like it here, I like the staff.”
We observed warm, positive engagement between staff and people. Three people we spoke with said they were happy. People appeared relaxed and comfortable with staff. Interactions were respectful and kind, and people were treated with dignity. Staff showed a good understanding of individuals’ needs, preferences, and communication styles, supporting positive relationships. Staff knew people well and were attentive to their wellbeing, offering reassurance, encouragement, and appropriate support where required.
People were observed to be actively and meaningfully engaged throughout the day. They participated in activities, hobbies, and day-to-day routines with support from staff, which contributed to a sense of purpose and inclusion.