Dryad Spinney

We found the following examples of good practice.

The provider supported people to maintain frequent contact with their loved ones and friends. They were supported to utilise alternative means of contact such as video calling. Relatives were kept updated and informed as guidance changed and the provider adapted quickly their procedures as guidance changed.

The provider supported people to understand the guidance and changes using their preferred communication methods. For example, Social Stories, Easy Read documentation and Makaton.

The provider adapted the environment to ensure people’s wellbeing was supported during the pandemic and came up with various activities for people. For example, purchased additional televisions for shared spaces to promote social distancing, sensory play, Makaton singing and signing, gardening and physical exercise.

Dryad Spinney provide accommodation and personal care and support for up to five adults who have learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder. There were four people living in the home at the time of our inspection.

At the last inspection on 12 November 2015 the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

The atmosphere throughout the home was friendly, calm and caring. The staff spoke about people in a respectful manner and demonstrated understanding of their individual needs.

Staff understood how to identify, report and manage any concerns related to people’s safety and welfare. There were systems and processes in place to protect people from harm, including how medicines were managed.

Safe recruitment practices were followed and appropriate checks had been undertaken, which made sure only suitable staff were employed to care for people in the home. There were sufficient numbers of staff deployed to meet people’s needs.

Staff were supported to provide appropriate care to people because they were trained, supervised and appraised. There was an induction, training and development programme, which supported staff to gain relevant knowledge and skills.

People were supported to have choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People received regular and on-going health checks and support to attend appointments. They were supported to eat and drink enough to meet their needs and to make informed choices about what they ate.

The service was responsive to people’s needs and staff were prompt to raise issues about people’s health so that people were referred to health professionals when needed. There were systems in place to help ensure any concerns or complaints were responded to appropriately.

People were supported to do the things that interested them, maintain relationships and to participate in community activities.

The registered manager demonstrated an open management style and provided leadership to the staff team. There were a range of systems in place to assess and monitor the quality and safety of the service and to ensure people were receiving appropriate support.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

At this inspection we gathered evidence against the outcomes for supporting workers and for assessing and monitoring the quality of service provision to answer the question: is the service effective?

We looked at records and spoke with the three members of staff on duty. We also spoke with the Registered Manager and the Operations Manager on the telephone.

Below is a summary of what we found. If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

Is the service effective?

During this inspection we found the provider had taken action to help ensure that risks to people using the service, staff and others were effectively managed. Staff had now received suitable training and clearer guidance was in place to enable them to manage behaviours that presented a risk. Staff felt confident and able to manage challenging situations. One person using the service was now going out more for community based activities, supported by staff who had the appropriate training.