Background to this inspection
Updated
20 January 2022
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.
This inspection took place on 14 January 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 48 hours, notice of the inspection.
Updated
20 January 2022
About the service
Manor Field is a six-bedded specialist autism service situated in the village of Weldon near Corby, Northamptonshire. Accommodation consists of three self-contained apartments, two ensuite bedrooms, and additional communal areas. At the time of our inspection there were four people using the service.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service received planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The home had a calm and homely atmosphere and people appeared comfortable and happy. High staffing levels meant people could take part in a wide range of activities and go out every day if they wanted to.
Relatives made many positive comments about the home and the quality of the care provided. One relative said, “The whole purpose of the place is to make the people who live there happy. That is why we chose this home.”
Staff supported people to maintain close relationships with their relatives.
People and staff got on well together. Staff interacted with people in a positive and respectful way, anticipating their needs. The staff were proud of the people who lived at the home and celebrated their achievements.
People were safe at the home and protected from harm. The home was designed so people had the personal space and privacy they needed. The home was clean and well-maintained throughout.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Staff were well-trained. They attended essential and specialist training courses to ensure they had the knowledge and skills they needed to support people effectively. They worked closely with the provider’s positive behaviour therapist to plan and implement personalised care plans for people.
The home was well-led and the registered manager and staff team were caring and approachable. People, relatives, and staff shared their views on the home and contributed to the way it was run. The registered manager and provider carried out regular audits of all aspects of the home to ensure it continued to provide high-quality care.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Requires Improvement (based on an inspection on 22 October 2018).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.