This inspection visit took place on 5 October 2018 and was unannounced. It was completed by one inspector.

Amberley Nursing Home is set on a large communal site which includes supported living units. This home was registered before the introduction of Registering the Right Support, however the service aims to adhere to the values set out as best practice. 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.

At our last inspection we rated the service ‘Good’. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of ‘Good’ and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and on-going monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

The service continues to provide care which ensures people’s safety. Staff understood the importance of protecting people from harm and the measures to take to reduce the risk of infections. There was enough staff to support people’s need and the arrangements were flexible to accommodate appointment, activities and celebration moments. Medicine was managed safely and provided in line with guidance.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Choices were promoted in relation to the meals provided and when required specialist advice had been sought and followed. Health care was an important factor in maintaining people’s health and wellbeing. The home had been adapted to support people’s needs and their personal preferences were acknowledged to create a homely environment.

Staff had established positive relationships with people and knew them well. Care was individual and responsive showing a real regard for each person’s wellbeing and daily lifestyle. Dignity was maintained and people were responded to in a respectful manner.

People’s care was delivered in line with their agreed care plans which had been developed with the person and or those family members important to them. Activities and hobbies were encouraged and people were able to decide on how they wished to spend their day. There was a complaints policy, however since our last inspection there had been none raised. When people were nearing the end of their life, they received care which was compassionate and pain free.

The service was supported by a registered manager who understand the regulations and ensured we received notifications and information in relation to these. People’s views had been obtained through a questionnaire and more work was being developed in this area. The rating was displayed at the home and on the providers website.

A range of audits had been used in relation to care plans, health and safety and medicines management. Staff felt supported and enjoyed working for this provider. Partnerships had been established to support the needs of people’s making the links with health and social care professionals.

Further information is in the detailed findings below

This inspection was unannounced and took place on the 26 January 2016

Amberley Nursing Home provides accommodation and personal care for up to 12 older people with learning and physical disabilities. At this inspection there were 12 people accommodated, including some people who were also living with physical disabilities or dementia.

There is a registered manager at this 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People, relatives and staff were confident that people received safe care. People’s safety and medicines needs were assessed before they received care and regularly reviewed. Care was planned and delivered in a way that accounted for any related risks identified to people’s safety.

Equipment associated with people’s care and safety was regularly checked to ensure it’s safe operation and use.

The provider’s staffing, emergency and safeguarding procedures helped to ensure people’s safety. Action taken by the provider in relation to the management of people’s mobility monies also helped to ensure this. .

Staff supported people to maintain and improve their health and nutrition. Staff understood people’s health, care and treatment needs, which were consistently monitored and accounted for through their personal care plans.

People accessed external health professionals when they needed to, either for routine health screening or specialist advice because of changes in their health status. Staff consulted with external health professional about people’s related care needs and followed their instructions for people’s care and treatment when required.

People received the care and support they needed through and by staff who were trained, supported and appropriately informed to provide people’s care and support.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) was followed to obtain consent for people’s care. Where people lacked capacity to consent to their care, appropriate authorisation was sought to ensure they received care in their best interests and as least restrictive as possible.

Staff were consistently kind and caring and they spent time with people to make sure they were happy and comfortable with their care. Staff had positive relationships with people and their relatives and understood what was important to them in care. Staff valued and promoted people’s rights, views and involvement in their care and the appropriate involvement of relatives.

People were supported to influence, engage and participate in home and community life through inclusive and tailored social and recreational activities. Staff promoted people to be as independent as possible and they communicated well with people in a way that was meaningful to them. The service routinely sought, listened and responded to people’s experiences and concerns or complaints made about the service.

People, relatives and staff were confident about management and leadership in the home. Staffs views were regularly sought and used to inform people’s care. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities and promoted the provider’s aims and values for people’s care concerned with their rights

Checks of the quality and safety of people’s care at the service were regularly made and the results from this were consistently used to make improvements when required. Action was being taken by the provider to consult with staff and review governance systems following key organisational changes.

The provider’s duties and responsibilities to maintain accurate records in relation to the management and running of the service and to notify us about important events that occurred there were met.