This service provides care and support to people in both their own homes and in supported living settings, so that they can live as independently as possible. In the supported living settings, people’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.

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.

This was the first inspection of the service since it was registered. This inspection took place on 18 and 23 January 2018. This was an announced inspection which meant the provider knew two days before we would be visiting. This was because the location provides a home care service. We wanted to make sure the registered manager, or someone who could act on their behalf, would be available to support our inspection. At the time of our inspection seven people were receiving personal care from the service.

There was a registered manager in post at the service. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People who use the service were positive about the care they received and praised the quality of the staff and management. We observed staff interacting with people in a friendly and respectful way. Staff respected people’s choices and privacy.

People told us they felt safe when receiving care and were involved in developing and reviewing their care plans. Systems were in place to protect people from abuse and harm and staff knew how to use them. Medicines were managed safely and staff had received suitable training in medicines management and administration. People received the support they needed to take their medicines.

There were sufficient staff available to provide the care and support people needed. People told us staff generally arrived on time and they received care and support from staff they knew and got on well with. Staff said they felt there were sufficient staff to provide the care and support people needed. Staff understood the needs of the people they were providing care for and had the knowledge and skills to meet their needs.

Staff received a thorough induction when they started working at the service. They demonstrated a good understanding of their role and responsibilities. Staff had completed training to ensure the care and support provided to people was safe and effective to meet their needs.

The service was responsive to people’s needs and wishes. People had regular meetings to provide feedback about their care and there was an effective complaints procedure.

The management team regularly assessed and monitored the quality of care provided. Feedback from people was encouraged and was used to make improvements to the service. The registered manager had a good understanding of improvements that were needed in the service and had plans in place to implement them. Staff and visiting professionals were confident in the skills of the registered manager and their ability to manage the service effectively.