CQC Report Highlights Progress in Reducing Long-Term Segregation for People with Learning Disabilities and Autism

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a new report examining the impact of its Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews (IC(E)TRs), revealing that 40% of people whose care was reviewed have now been supported to leave long-term segregation (LTS) and move towards more appropriate care.

The report covers 88 independent reviews carried out between May 2024 and November 2025. By 30 March 2026, 35 people had either been discharged into the community, moved to a more suitable hospital setting, or were actively progressing through discharge plans.

Independent review chairs work alongside multidisciplinary teams, families, advocates and providers to assess whether long-term segregation remains the least restrictive option for each individual. The reviews also identify practical improvements that can help people transition into more appropriate care.

Alongside examples of positive practice, the report identifies several common barriers preventing people from leaving long-term segregation. These include:

• Limited understanding of an individual’s history and needs.
• Staff lacking specialist skills, training or confidence in supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
• Poor communication and insufficient involvement of families and supporters.
• A lack of personalised care plans and discharge planning.
• Environments that fail to meet people’s sensory or communication needs.

The CQC says these factors can leave people remaining in restrictive settings for longer than necessary.

The report also highlights what successful services have in common, including skilled staff, person-centred care planning, personalised adjustments, strong multidisciplinary working and meaningful involvement of families throughout care and discharge planning.

Rebecca Bauers, Director for People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People at the CQC, said the findings demonstrate that safe, compassionate discharge from long-term segregation is achievable with the right planning and support. She also urged providers to review their use of restrictive practices and place human rights, dignity and trusted relationships at the centre of care.

The Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Review programme was introduced in 2024 at the request of the Department of Health and Social Care following Baroness Hollins’ report My Heart Breaks. Originally due to conclude in 2026, the programme has now received additional government funding and will continue until March 2028.

Why it matters

The report provides practical lessons for providers supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities, reinforcing the importance of personalised care, specialist staff training and effective discharge planning. It also signals the Government’s continued commitment to reducing the use of long-term segregation and promoting less restrictive, person-centred care across health and social care services.

Stay informed with the stories shaping health and social care.