Little Smugglers rated ‘GOOD’ by CQC across all five key areas
Little Smugglers in Crawley, West Sussex is celebrating having been rated as ‘Good’ in all five key areas by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Operated by Consensus, Little Smugglers was praised by inspectors, for providing a safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led service.
Inspectors reported that the service was committed to supporting people to have maximum choice and control of their lives and promoted a positive culture that was person-centred, open, inclusive and empowering. Relatives confirmed that staff provided personalised care to their family members and that this increased people’s opportunities to maximise their independence.
The inspector agreed people were treated with kindness and compassion by staff who spoke respectfully to people and observed interactions that indicated a very caring attitude of the staff. People and their relatives confirmed they were well treated and cared for. Comments included, “I am very happy living here, nothing to complain about at all,” and “This is a good home I am pleased my [family member] live here, the staff are caring and kind to them all.”
Inspectors reported that the service supported people to be as independent as possible. Staff told inspectors they were passionate about supporting and encouraging people to express their individual needs, preferences and interests and inspectors identified agreed that people were provided with opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities of their choice both within the home and out in the local community.
The inspector also found there was strong and effective leadership at the service. Colleagues were very positive about their roles, the managers of the service and the quality of care they delivered. Staff said, “The Manager is really good, they are focused on the residents and what they need,” and “We are well supported here and there is a friendly teamwork approach to the work.”
During the inspection the inspector spoke with people living at the home, relatives and support team members, this included senior staff, and the registered manager.
People’s care records were also reviewed as well as records relating to the management of the service.
Tracey Dingle, Service Manager at Smugglers Barn said, “I am extremely proud of our team who are committed to enabling the people we support to make choices and to maximise their independence and quality of life. We are delighted that the inspector noted our caring, inclusive and person-centred culture, rating us ‘Good’ across all five key areas.”
Smugglers Barn, located in Crawley Down, Crawley, accommodates eight people with learning disabilities and autism across two separate neighbouring house which are next door to each other; Smugglers Barn and Little Smugglers. The CQC inspected both houses and detailed their findings within one report for Smugglers Barn.
The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.