This inspection took place on 2 June 2017 and was announced. Alfred Street Residential Care Home provides accommodation and personal care for up to two people with a learning disability. There was one person living at the home at the time of our inspection. At the last inspection, the service was rated Good.

The home was situated on a quiet residential street. It comprised of a lounge/dining room, kitchen two bedrooms and a bathroom. People had access to a secure back garden.

A registered manager was in place as required by their conditions of registration. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People received personalised care which was safe and effective. People’s care and support needs and associated risks had been assessed, recorded and were regularly reviewed. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Staff had been trained and supported to carry out their role. Robust recruitment systems ensured people were supported by staff of good character and with appropriate employment and criminal backgrounds. There was suitable numbers of staff to support people and to ensure they lived fulfilled lives. Staff supported people to have access to a wide range of activities.

The provider and registered manager had systems in place to monitor the quality of service being provided. The home was inclusive and ensured people’s views were considered, respected and acted on.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

This inspection took place on 29 April 2015 and was announced. Alfred Street Residential Care home provides accommodation and personal care for up to two people with a learning disability. The home is situated on a quiet residential street. It comprises of a lounge/dining room, kitchen two bedrooms and a bathroom.

A registered manager was in place as required by their conditions of registration. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People had different physical, social and emotional needs. Staff knew them well and were able to adapt their approach and communicate with people using a variety of different types of communication. Staff and the registered manager understood their role to protect people from harm and abuse. Systems were in place to protect people from abuse such as daily auditing of people’s finances. People’s personal risks had been identified and measures were in place to manage and minimise these risks. People’s care records reflected their health and well-being needs as well as their social and recreational needs.

Staff understood the importance of providing choice to people and acting in their best interests if they did not have the capacity to make specific decisions for themselves. Some people were continuously supported but in the least restrictive way. Staff respected the views of people who had capacity to make their own decisions. Information was provided in different formats to help people understand.

People’s care was well documented and focused around their individual needs and support requirements. Their care records gave staff guidance on how to support them and reduce the risk of harm. Pictorial and large print documents and care records were available to help people understand the information about their care and the home. Staff supported people to maintain a healthy diet. They knew people’s preferences in food and special diets which were catered for. People were supported to access health care services such as dentists and specialist services. Staff maintained good links with health care professionals to ensure people’s health and medical needs were being monitored. Their medicines were ordered, stored and administered in an effective way.

People were supported by staff who had been suitably trained and recruited to carry out their role. New staff were supported until they felt confident to work alone with people. Systems were in place to support staff who worked alone such as on call.

Monitoring systems were in place to ensure the service was operating effectively and safely. Internal and external audits were carried out to continually monitor the service provided.

Consent was obtained from people using the service before any personal care was given. We also saw evidence that consent was taken for a variety of issues. These included keeping a relative informed to specific things like installing new equipment into the person’s home. We looked at the care files for the two people using the service. We found both files to be up to date and fit for purpose. Care plans and risk assessments reflected people’s needs and had been reviewed on a regular basis.

We saw evidence of how the staff liaised with all the health and social care professionals involved in the care of one person who used the service. There were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people’s needs. The manager told us that there had not been a complaint for the previous few years, however we saw that a robust complaints system was in place.

All the satisfaction survey results were positive and the comments included. “A big thank you for your support with my brother and for talking to the GP, I really do appreciate the efforts you do, I know it's your job but its more than a job, you guys are really worth your weight in gold". "The staff had a good rapport with people who used the service". “We are always impressed by the carers and the care and attention they give. The carers show so much respect and understanding which is so lovely to see".

Alfred Street is a warm and friendly home for the two people using the service. We observed staff dealing with people in a kind, friendly but respective way. During our inspection we observed people being offered choice in everything they were doing. People can decide what they want to do and when they want to do it. Each person is fully involved in the planning of their activities and this was documented in their care plans. We looked at both people’s care files and found them to be up to date and comprehensive.

One parent said “this home meets my sons individual needs, respect is shown towards my decisions and the staff encourage my son to continue to progress with his interests and abilities. My son has consistency, continuity and choices that make him feel safe”. Another parent said “the home is well maintained and has a homely atmosphere. Our son has personal choice and his cultural and social identity is reflected. I am fully involved and my decisions and requests are listened too”.