News & events 23 Cecil Road achieves NAS re-accreditation!
Did you know our specialist autism service, 23 Cecil Road in Derbyshire, has been accredited twice by the National Autistic Society (NAS)?
Achieving an accreditation from the NAS demonstrates expert knowledge and high-quality specialist autism support, positively impacting the lives of people with autism. Achieving a re-accreditation displays growth and development to continue improving and delivering high-quality autism support.
At Cecil Road, our specialist support team’s commitment helps the people we support to gain independence, empowering them to live happy and fulfilling lives.
We caught up with Service Manager, Lyn Pickering, to discover what the accreditation means to the team and what was key to being re-accredited.
How does it feel to be re-accredited by the NAS?
L: Being accredited for the second time was a special moment for each and every one of us.
NAS accreditations are a mark of excellence and they build confidence within the team. Our accreditation recognises the hard work we do. Being able to demonstrate our knowledge around autism also builds confidence with the families of the people we support. They know their loved ones are in safe hands and are supported in a way that enhances their lives.
It’s also an achievement for the people we support. It’s so rewarding to see how much of what we do positively impacts them, giving them the stepping stones to achieve their goals. Seeing them grow and blossom is why we come to work each day.
How were you assessed during the re-accreditation?
L: The assessment was the same process as our first accreditation. It began with us submitting numerous case studies directly to the NAS. These were based on individuals we support and detailed how we provide person-centred care and support. It also included the activities they enjoy and how we tailor each support plan to their preferences and ambitions.
The purpose of the assessment was to demonstrate how we support people with autism to develop and gain greater independence. The case studies explained the work we’re doing, and the assessment offered an opportunity to show this to the assessor.
On assessment day we opted to take the people we support to a log cabin that we rent out once a year. Many of the people we support find it stressful travelling long distances, so the short drive to the cabin was perfect for them.
The assessor arrived at Cecil Road and saw how we transitioned each person into the car and prepared them for the journey. We explained where they were going and introduced them to the assessor, so they felt comfortable.
For those that struggled adapting to a new face, we ensured they were assessed from a distance, so they felt comfortable.
When we arrived at the log cabin, the assessor got a taste of the environment and began observing the activities we were doing.
The log cabin has lots of fun activities that the people we support can get involved in. The day consisted of using the hot tub, swimming in the pool and taking part in sensory activities.
The assessor observed each activity and compared their notes based on the evidence we had previously submitted. They also observed how we were communicating and working together as a team. Once the day had concluded, they sent their notes over to a panel. We nervously waited for our results!
When we received the news we were being re-accredited, we were over the moon! It was a special moment for everyone at Cecil Road.
What was key to achieving your re-accreditation?
L: Working in a person-centred way was key to achieving this re-accreditation. Knowing each person as an individual enables us to provide outstanding care. We know their likes and dislikes, and the things that made them tick.
Our team also played a crucial role in achieving our re-accreditation. On the day, we all communicated clearly and followed each support plan to a tee. The bespoke support plans everyone has are tailored to their needs and preferences.
Applying these effectively gave us the confidence and expertise to help people thrive. Knowing each person so well ensured the assessment day felt just like any other day!
What tips would you give to other services considering NAS accreditation?
L: Ensure you are working as a team! It takes a joint effort to achieve an accreditation, and everyone must be on the same page.
Become innovative and creative when building support plans. Really engage with the people we support, learn every little detail about them and don’t be afraid to try new ideas to help them achieve their goals.
Finally, it sounds simple, but don’t give up! The people we support may face obstacles but sticking with them to find solutions is what demonstrates expert autism support. Always question what they need to live their best life and be open to adapting when necessary.
What goals do you have for the service in the future?
L: Our next goal is to achieve an Advanced NAS accreditation!
We’re developing so much as a team, and we feel ready to climb the next mountain and get that extra recognition.
Receiving the accreditation has delivered so much renewed motivation within the team. It’s a key achievement that everyone can feel part of, especially the people we support. Through person-centred support, they’ve thrived in different ways, accomplishing their goals along the way.
Many people we’ve supported at Cecil Road have gained enough independence to transition to one of our supported living homes. A future goal is to work towards accrediting those homes.
With so much on the horizon, we’re extremely excited for the future and eagerly await the next milestone for Cecil Road!
Find out more!
To learn more about our specialist autism support, and how we can support you, a loved one or a client, complete our quick and easy online form and a member of our friendly team will be in touch!
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