This inspection took place on 15 and 19 March 2018 and was unannounced. This was the provider’s first inspection since changing to a new legal entity.

Acorn provides accommodation for up to 6 adults with a learning disability and or a mental health. At the time of our visit there were 6 men living at the service. People in care homes receive accommodation and personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

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 care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

People were treated in a dignified, caring manner, which demonstrated that their rights were protected. Where people lacked the capacity to make choices and decisions, staff ensured people’s rights were protected by involving relatives or other professionals in the decision making process. Information was accessible to help people make decisions and express their views about the service. Staff recognised the importance of effective communication enabling them to respond to people in a person centred way.

People received a safe service. There were sufficient numbers of staff to meet people’s needs and to spend time socialising with them. Staff were knowledgeable about the risks to the person and others and what measures were in place to ensure the person’s safety. People were involved in discussions about how they could keep safe. Staff clearly described what they would do if they felt a person was at risk of abuse and the importance of reporting to other agencies. People received their medicines safely.

Systems were in place to ensure effective communication, including team meetings and staff one to one meetings with the senior management team. Staff spoke positively about the team and how they supported people. People told us they liked the staff and the other people they lived with.

People were protected from the risk of abuse because there were clear procedures in place to recognise and respond to abuse and staff had been trained in how to follow the procedures. Systems were in place to ensure people were safe including risk management, checks on the equipment, fire systems and safe recruitment processes.

People continued to receive effective care because staff had the skills and knowledge required to effectively support them. People's healthcare needs were monitored by the staff. Other health and social care professionals were involved in the care and support of the people living at Acorn.

People were very much involved and included in the running of the service with resident meetings and key worker meetings being organised monthly. They were consulted about activities, menu planning and the running of the home. There was a strong emphasis this was people’s home.

Systems were in place for monitoring the service. This included seeking the views of the people and their relatives through regular meetings and annual surveys.