Archived: The Coach House

Updated 7 October 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This was a comprehensive inspection that took place on 13 September 2017. We gave 24 hours’ notice of the inspection as we wanted to be sure people would be at home. The inspection team consisted of one inspector.

Before the inspection, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We also reviewed information that we held about the service such as notifications, which are events which happened in the service that the provider is required to tell us about, and information that had been sent to us by other agencies. We also contacted commissioners (who fund the care people) of the service and external health care professionals and asked them for their views. We received feedback from a consultant psychiatrist and clinical psychologist.

On the day of the inspection visit we spoke with two people who used the service about some aspects of the service they received. We used observation to help us understand people’s experience of the care and support they received.

We spoke with the registered manager, the provider’s operations manager, an assistant manager and one support worker. We looked at all or parts of the care records of four people along with other records relevant to the running of the service. This included the management of medicines, quality assurance audits, training information for staff and recruitment and deployment of staff, meeting minutes and arrangements for managing complaints.

After our inspection visit we contacted a person who used the service by telephone as they were not present on the day of the inspection, and two relatives for their views and the service their family member received.

Updated 7 October 2017

We inspected the service on 13 September 2017. Twenty four hours’ notice of the inspection was given because the service is small and people living there are often out, and we wanted to be sure people would be at home. The Coach House provides accommodation and personal care for up to four people with a learning disability. The home is located in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. On the day of our inspection three people were using the service and one person was on holiday with their family.

At our last inspection in June 2015, the service was rated ‘Good’. At this inspection we found that the service remained ‘Good’.

People continued to receive a safe service. People told us they felt safe living at The Coach House. Staff had attended safeguarding training and were aware of their role and responsibilities in protecting people from avoidable harm and abuse. Risks associated with people’s needs had been assessed and staff had detailed and up to date information about how to assist people in managing any risks. The environment was regularly checked for health and safety, including security. Staff had information available about how to manage any event that could affect the safety of the service. People were supported by appropriate staffing levels to meet their dependency needs. The provider had safe staff recruitment procedures and these were followed. The storage and management of medicines were found to be safe.

People continued to receive an effective service. Staff received an appropriate induction, ongoing training, support and opportunities to review their work. Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards that protected people’s human rights. People were involved in the development of the menu and their nutritional needs were known and understood by staff. People were supported to attend health appointments with primary and specialist healthcare services, and staff worked well with external healthcare professionals.

People continued to receive good care. People were positive about the staff who supported them and described them as being kind, caring and supportive. Staff demonstrated a good understanding of people’s needs, and respected their privacy and dignity. Staff had detailed, and up to date information to support them to meet people’s individual’s needs and aspirations. People had access to independent advocacy information if they required this support.

People continued to receive a responsive service. People received an assessment of their needs and support plans were developed to support staff on how to meet their needs. People were supported to contribute to their community and participate in opportunities important to them. People had access to the provider’s complaint policy and procedure. Where concerns had been raised they had been responded to appropriately.

The service continued to be well-led. People, relatives, external professionals and staff were positive and complimentary about the service. People and their relatives received opportunities to give feedback about the service and its development. The provider had arrangements in place for monitoring and assessing the quality and safety of the service including the care people experienced.