Updated 7 January 2025
Date of assessment: 14 January 2025. An assessment has been undertaken of a specialist service that is used by autistic people or people with a learning disability. Pogles Wood provides accommodation and personal care to 1 person. 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. The provider lacked awareness of the above guidance, however had fulfilled all aspects of the guidance. Since our assessment, they have become familiar with this and other good practice guidance. The person was supported to make day-to-day choices such as choosing a toy from 2 offered to them. Other choices had been interpreted by the provider such as installing a cinema screen in the service as the person, while they appeared to enjoy movies, had been distressed in the cinema. They now enjoy movies at home. The provider had reapplied for a DoLS for the person and was awaiting an assessment of their capacity. They had not completed specific Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) assessments for consents and best interest decisions when we assessed. The person had been with the owners for more than 10 years as a child. Some aspects of choice and control had not been considered as a result. They have since updated their records and are completing assessments and decisions as required. The service had been developed around the needs of the person. The premises had been adapted and upgraded and a sensory area installed. Staff took the person out most days and supported them with sensory activities, using their standing frame, providing care and medicines administration. We saw staff provide care in a respectful manner that promoted the persons dignity. Since our assessment improvements have been made in a number of areas.