Talbot Woods Lodge

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 30 September 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Talbot Woods Lodge is registered to provide care and support for up to 15 people. The service specialises in providing care and support for people who have a learning disability or autistic people. There were 15 people living at the service during our inspection. This was a planned inspection to assess whether the service had made improvements since our last inspection. We examined all the quality statements within the key questions of safe, effective, and well led. This inspection took place on 19 September and 21 September 2025. This inspection has been undertaken of a specialist service that is used by autistic people or people with a learning disability. 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. There was a registered manager and manager within this service who had day to day oversight of the service, they are both mentioned within this report.

The service had made improvements since our last inspection, and they had been embedded and sustained. People were protected from avoidable harm, as risks to their safety and wellbeing had been assessed. Staff worked in safe ways to ensure people were supported to be leaders in their life and access opportunities outside of the service safely. Staff understood the risks to people and were confident they were safe living at Talbot Woods Lodge. Staff knew how to raise concerns and were confident the registered manager would follow up and take them seriously. A health and social care professional told us, “Talbot Woods Lodge provides a good quality, safe environment that supports the wellbeing of its residents. Safety is consistently maintained and remains paramount within the service.”

People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment when this is in their best interests and legally authorised under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). In care homes, and some hospitals, this is usually through MCA application procedures called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA. The registered manager understood the requirements regarding people’s rights, and they had the necessary consents in place to ensure their care and support was carried out in their best interest. The culture of the service was one of encouragement, empowerment, safety and support, the registered manager, manager and staff told us they were passionate people should live full lives. People were accepted regardless of their background and staff were committed to creating a safe homely environment for them. Staff were safely recruited and received extensive training and support to carry out their role. People had access to healthcare and external professionals as required. Health and social care professionals were positive about their communication and work with Talbot Woods Lodge. We received positive feedback about the registered manager and manager of the service.