This inspection took place on 2 and 7 February 2018 and was announced.

5 Giles Walk provides personal care for people in their own homes. At this inspection they were providing care and support for 12 people.

A registered manager was in post and present at this inspection. 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 were safe as staff had been trained and understood how to support people in a way that protected them from danger, harm and abuse. Staff knew how to support people in a way that minimised the risks of harm associated with their care.

People were supported by enough staff to safely assist them and who arrived to provide support at the agreed times. When needed, people received help with their medicines from staff who were trained to safely support them.

The provider followed infection prevention and control guidance. The provider ensured that the equipment people used, was maintained and kept in safe working order.

The provider completed checks on staff before they started work to ensure they were safe to work with people. The provider had systems in place to address any unsafe staff practice.

People received care from staff that had the skills and knowledge to meet their needs. New staff members received an induction to their role and were equipped with the skills they needed to work with people. Staff attended training that was relevant to those they supported and any additional training needed to meet people’s requirements was provided.

People had their rights protected by staff members who were aware of current guidance informing their practice. People were given information in a way they could understand.

Staff received support and guidance from a management team who they found approachable. People and staff felt able to express their views and felt their opinions mattered.

People had positive relationships with the staff members who supported them. People’s likes and dislikes were known by staff who assisted them in a way which was personal to them. People were involved in decisions about their care and had information they needed in a way they understood.

People had their privacy and dignity respected and information personal to them was treated confidentially. People had access to healthcare when needed and staff responded to any changes in needs promptly and consistently. People were supported to eat and drink sufficient amounts to maintain good health.

The provider regularly met people they supported to gain informal feedback in the service they provided. People felt confident they were listened to and their views were valued.