Archived: Beech Tree House

Updated 24 September 2015

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 inspection took place on the 7 September 2015 and was unannounced. We checked to see what notifications had been received from the provider since their registration in March 2014. Providers are required to inform the CQC of important events which happen within the service. Before the inspection, we asked the provider to complete 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.

The inspection was carried out by an inspector. On the day of our inspection, Beech Tree House was providing support to eight young people with learning disabilities.

We spoke with the registered manager; deputy manager, three staff and three relatives of people who used the service. We spoke briefly with people who used the service who were able to communicate. Where people were unable to communicate verbally, we were supported by staff members who used Makaton (A symbol communication tool) to ask people if they were happy. We reviewed three care plans, medicine records and staff documentation including supervision and training records and copies of quality assurance documentation.

Updated 24 September 2015

Beech Tree house provides accommodation and support for up to eight adults with learning disabilities within the Holmer Green area. At the time of our inspection eight people were living at the home. All people living at the home were under the age of 30.

Beech Tree house has a registered manager in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People were cared for by staff who knew their needs well and worked well to promote best outcomes for people. Relatives we spoke with were very complimentary about the service and people appeared happy and relaxed within the service.

The service consisted of seven bedrooms within the main house and an external independent annex for one person. The home was presented well and was spacious, light and well laid out. An external room was used in the garden for activities and planning permission had been sought to build a sensory room.

People were supported by staff to maintain and develop their skills and independence. Regular activities were provided to people which included activities in house, and also outside activities such as swimming and trips out.

People were cared for by staff who were kind and attentive. Staff worked well with other professionals to achieve positive outcomes for people, for example, doctors, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. The provider employed an assistant psychologist to ensure plans were in place to recognise potential triggers and signs of distress or challenging behaviours.

People were protected against harm within the service by staff who knew their needs, and how to promote their safety. People were involved in the running of the service and how they wished for the service to be run. Staff received learning disability specific training so they were able to communicate effectively with people in a way which they could understand and respond too.

Staff told us they felt supported by a good management structure. Regular checks were in place to ensure the service met people’s needs and to identify any areas for improvement. We found the service to be person centred and adapted to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities.