Cambian Lufton Manor college is a specialist residential college, providing educational services, accommodation and personal care and support for young people aged 16 to 25 with moderate to severe learning disabilities. The primary aim of the service is to prepare people for greater independence over a three year period, with a view to moving into their own supported living accommodation in the community when they leave. This meant the emphasis was on learning practical living skills rather than gaining academic qualifications. People attended the college on a residential or daily basis, and came from more than 20 different local authority areas nationally. This is the first inspection of this service since ‘Cambian Whinfell School Limited’ registered as the provider on 6 June 2014.

The residential accommodation is provided in a number of self-contained units across two sites, Lufton Manor and Lufton Manor Farm. People stayed in the residential accommodation for their first two years at the college, developing their independent living skills and building confidence, aiming to move into a supported living placement in the nearby town for their final year. In a supported living service, people’s accommodation is provided by separate housing providers or landlords, usually on a rental or lease arrangement. In this situation the care people receive is regulated by CQC, but the accommodation is not. At the time of the inspection there were 53 people receiving support with personal care in residential accommodation at the Lufton Manor and Lufton Manor Farm sites. Personal care was being provided to 31 people in five supported living houses in Yeovil. An additional 23 people attended the college on a daily basis.

There was a registered manager in post. 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.

There was a very high level of confidence in the leadership and management of the service expressed by people, relatives and staff. Managers had a ‘hands on’ approach, and were always available to offer support and guidance. One person told us, “[Manager’s name] is amazing!” A senior member of staff said, “This is one of the best places I’ve worked. [Manager’s name] is so effective and supportive. They are always available even on this multi-site facility. They are so approachable”. The provider had comprehensive and effective quality assurance systems in place to monitor safety and the quality of care. Managers actively sought feedback from people using the service, staff and their families, and we saw this information was used to improve the quality and safety of the support provided.

The registered manager worked holistically with the principal of the college and staff team, supporting people to increase their level of independence and confidence. This required a highly personalised and responsive approach, so that people could progress and attain their individual goals. People’s individual goals were reviewed frequently, including an annual review with the person, their family and key members of their staff team, where a new action plan was developed to support them as they moved forward. This approach allowed people to develop confidence and skills, making a dramatic difference to their lives. For example, a person living in the residential accommodation, who did not interact at all with others when they first came to the college were now happy and confident enough to attend all day group lessons and to socialise with other people. Other people had learned new independent-living skills, being able to cook, do their laundry or travel by public transport. People enjoyed participating in a wide range of activities and were pursuing their vo