Apple Tree House

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 17 December 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of Assessment: 22 October to 5 November 2025

The service is a residential service providing support to younger adults living with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder. 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 that most people take for granted. The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice, and independence.

At our last inspection the service was in breach of legal regulations regarding safeguarding, risk management in relation to the environment and good governance. The service had made improvements and is no longer in breach of these regulations. Environmental risks to people were now managed and mitigated, and restrictions placed on people were being reviewed with a clear commitment to minimising the use of restrictive interventions. Quality monitoring systems had improved but needed further development to make sure they always led to improvements where needed.

At our last inspection we also made a recommendation in relation to the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). During this inspection we did identify some concerns regarding records kept in relation to the MCA which the registered manager took action to address.

People had support plans and risk assessments in place and medicines were generally managed well. We identified areas where improvements were required to records to ensure safe consistent care was provided. We did not find these shortfalls had impacted on people's care.

There were sufficient staff to provide safe staffing levels within the service. However, staff told us, and records did not always demonstrate, there were sufficient staff to enable 1 person to safely access community facilities. The registered manager and deputy manager confirmed they were available to support with this if needed. We discussed the concerns with the registered manager who told us staffing was improving.

The service had a good learning culture. Managers investigated incidents.

People were protected and kept safe from abuse. Staff worked with all agencies involved in people’s care for the best outcomes. Managers made sure staff received training.

People were treated with kindness and compassion. People were supported in ways that reduced periods of distress. People were clearly relaxed with staff and reassured by their presence.

The service had a culture that was open, inclusive, empowering and person-centred. People were involved in decisions about their care. The service provided information in a format people could understand.

Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders were visible and staff felt supported by them.