Working at The Sycamores

Staff demonstrated a clear understanding of how to recognise the signs of potential abuse and knew how to protect people from harm... Risks to people's health, safety and welfare were assessed and plans were in place to minimise the risks... Regular audits were carried out to check that medicines were being managed in the right way.

There was an open and inclusive culture within the service. People, relatives and staff had a say in how the services were being run and how they wanted them to be developed.

Staff rotas had been planned in advance by the registered manager and we saw there were enough staff on duty to ensure people were supported in the ways they wanted to be. The registered provider employed an established team of bank staff to support any staff absences.

Staff told us, and records confirmed, they received a range of training which was relevant to people's needs and the roles they undertook. This included training in line with the Care Certificate. Staff were also supported to achieve other nationally recognised qualifications in social care.

Approaches to management and leadership were collaborative and enabled people to be kept at the centre of service planning and delivery. Staff were well supported and audits and governance systems ensured any shortfalls in the services provided were addressed in a timely manner.

People told us how they were supported to maintain and develop their hobbies and interests and were involved in undertaking work placements of their choice, attending social events, going out into the community... gardening... Independence Day to enable people to cook a meal of their choice.