Alderwood L.L.A. Limited - Irchester

Ratings

• Overall

  Inadequate

• Safe

  Requires improvement

• Effective

  Requires improvement

• Caring

  Requires improvement

• Responsive

  Inadequate

• Well-led

  Inadequate

Our view of the service

Alderwood L.L.A Irchester is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 6 people. The service provides support to autistic people with learning disabilities. At the time of our assessment, there were 6 people using the service. The assessment commenced on 25 November 2024 and ended 17 January 2025. This assessment was prompted due to concerns about the provider. We looked at all five key questions and covered 25 Quality statements. During the assessment, we spoke with the registered manager, regional manager and 7 care staff and 5 relatives. We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. We identified under the key questions Safe, Effective and Well Led the service was in breach of legal regulation in relation to safe care and treatment, safe and effective staffing, safeguarding, person-centred care, and good governance. Risk management in relation to how people’s individual emotional and behavioural needs were assessed, planned for and mitigated were not sufficiently robust and at times meant people were not safe from harm. Staffing ratios were not always adhered to and staff lacked training, skill and knowledge to support people effectively to manage their behaviours and emotions. Safeguarding processes were not always followed or significant incidents reported in line with the providers policy. We found the provider failed to ensure reasonably practicable ways to make sure that people who use the service receive person-centred care and treatment that is appropriate, meets people’s needs and reflects their personal preferences. Incident management and learning was not robust or effective.

People's experience of this service

People’s relatives told us they were happy with the care and support their loved ones received in the service. They told us they have regular contact with the service manager who keeps them updated if things change or if there are any concerns. However, some relatives told us there isn’t always enough staff to support people with their planned activities.