This inspection visit was unannounced and took place on 10 August 2017. This was the provider’s first inspection since their registration with us in July 2016. The service was registered to provide accommodation for up to 16 people. People who used the service had physical health needs and/or enduring mental health needs. At the time of our inspection 14 people were using the service.

There was a registered manager in post. 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.

The provider had completed a comprehensive range of audits in relation to all aspects of the home and service. They had reflected them in an improvement plan and these were actioned to continue to drive improvements in relation to the home and the service provided. Staff felt supported and they received supervision and the opportunity to expand their roles through working in a team. People’s views had been obtained and felt that their requests or suggestions had been responded to.

The home had systems in place to maintain people’s safety. Staff understood the importance of reporting any concerns to avoid people coming to any harm. Risk assessments had been completed on an individual basis. These reflect the risks and provided options or guidance to manage these. People received their medicine as required in a safe way and referrals were made to a range of health care professionals when required to support people’s wellbeing.

Some people using the service did not have the capacity to make their own decisions; they had been supported to ensure decisions were made in their best interest. When required some people received the support of an advocate or guardianship to support more complexed decisions. There were sufficient staff to support people’s needs and the provider had increased the staffing to support areas of identified needs to reduce the risks to people. When staff were recruited checks were completed to ensure they were safe to work with people who used the service. Staff received an induction which provided them with training and the guidance they needed. Further training was provided to support the staff’s role.

People enjoyed the food and had the opportunity to make choices about the meals they received. The staff treated people with respect and people told us the staff made time for them when they needed the support. People knew how to raise a complaint and any received had been responded to. People had the opportunity to contribute to their care plans and changes had been implemented following their comments or requests.

People felt the staff offered them support and guidance. They had established positive relationships with the staff and felt their dignity and opinions were respected. Stimulation and interests were promoted, and further developments were being planned to consider therapies to expand opportunities for people. People felt able to personalise their space and make choices about their day.

The manager understood their responsibility of registration with us and notified us of important events that occurred at the service; this meant we could check appropriate action had been taken.