Ashleigh House

This inspection report for Ashleigh House provides an overview of the care provided to people with learning disabilities and autistic individuals. The inspection focused on key areas including safety, effectiveness, caring practices, responsiveness, and leadership. The report details improvements made since the previous inspection, highlighting positive changes in how individuals are supported to live more independent and person-centred lives. While acknowledging significant progress, the report also identifies areas where further development is needed to ensure consistently high standards of care.

Regarding safety, inspectors found that robust systems are now in place to protect residents from harm and abuse, with timely action taken when incidents occur. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding and understand their roles. Relatives expressed confidence in the home's ability to keep their loved ones safe, particularly noting COVID-19 protection measures. Recruitment processes have been improved, ensuring all necessary checks are completed for new staff, and staffing levels are now sufficient to provide safe and personalised support.

On the effectiveness of care, the service has made progress in offering residents greater choice and control over their meals, although there is a need to ensure healthier dietary options are consistently promoted. Staff are receiving enhanced training, including qualifications in health and social care, which has improved their competence. The service is now operating within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, ensuring support is provided in the least restrictive way possible and that residents' choices are respected.

In terms of caring practices, the care provided is increasingly person-centred, celebrating diversity and better understanding residents' emotional needs. Staff support individuals with dignity and respect, fostering a positive and inclusive environment where residents' individual needs are recognised.

Concerning responsiveness, while improvements have been made in supporting individuals' choices and independence, there are ongoing areas for development to ensure all care plans are fully responsive to individual needs. The service is working to embed person-centred approaches more deeply.

Regarding leadership, the new management team has fostered a more open and transparent culture, encouraging learning from incidents and promoting reflective practice. While significant strides have been made in improving the quality of support, the leadership team has been advised to seek external support for strategic development and independent monitoring to sustain and further enhance the service's performance.