Three people were “unlawfully prevented from leaving their homes” at a Plymouth domiciliary care provider, the CQC has found.

The Michael Batt Foundation, which cares for people with a learning disability, autism and mental health needs, was rated Inadequate by the CQC following an inspection in July.

The CQC inspection, which had been prompted by a series of incidents in which a service user sustained a serious injury, found unlawful acts of deprivation with people’s human rights not always protected.

A spokesperson for the not-for-profit organisation said: “Michael Batt Foundation acknowledges that its standards did not meet those required by the Care Quality Commission (CQC); this is not acceptable. The Foundation is working closely with the CQC and Plymouth City Council to make the required improvements and has made significant progress since the inspection, which has been recognised by the local authority.” A Plymouth City Council spokesperson said: “Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of service users. We are closely monitoring the support that the Michael Batt Foundation is providing to its current clients to make sure they are receiving a good standard of care and have suspended any further placements at this time.

“We have been working closely with the provider and its staff since July 2023 to help them rapidly make the necessary improvements to the care and support of our vulnerable adults.”