We considered all the evidence we had gathered under the outcomes we inspected. We used the information to answer the five questions we always ask:-

Is the service safe?

Is the service effective?

Is the service caring?

Is the service responsive?

Is the service well led?

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, looking at records and speaking with people using the service and members of staff.

Please read the full report for evidence that supports our summary.

Is the service safe?

We looked at a random selection of care plans for people using the service. We found that they were person centred and reflected the individual needs of each person. We saw that they covered a comprehensive range of care and healthcare needs including risk assessments. We found that care plans were up to date which supported staff to deliver safe and appropriate care. The service provided care for three people in their homes.

We found that there were procedures in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies. People using the service could contact the service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

People who use the service were protected from the risk of abuse because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening.

We saw that there were effective recruitment and selection policies in place. Appropriate checks on staff took place before they started their employment.

Is the service effective?

People’s needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan.

Staff received appropriate professional development. We were provided with information and records to show that staff received regular training and supervision. Staff were able, from time to time, to obtain further relevant qualifications

Is the service caring?

We spoke with people using the service. Their comments included: “It’s okay, I’m satisfied with what they are doing.” “[The care worker] never lets us down, never sick, always there.” “Very happy with the carer we’ve got.”

Is the service responsive?

People expressed their views and were involved in making decisions about their care and treatment. We saw that care plans were person centred and recorded how people preferred their care and treatment to be delivered. One person told us, “Whatever you tell them they do.”

We found that people and their relatives were confident that they could raise any concerns and they would be addressed. “If I want to speak with them I just call.”

Is the service well led?

People who use the service, their representatives and staff fed back their views about their care and treatment and they were acted on.

We spoke with people using the service and members of staff who told us that the provider and manager were approachable. The service only provided care for three people and much of the feedback they received was informal. People told us that they were confident that they could raise issues with members of staff, the manager or provider and they would be addressed.

We spoke with people using the service and relatives. One person told us, "I'm relatively happy." A relative told us, "I find them very approachable."

We found that people using the service were treated with respect and involved in their care and care planning. Care was delivered in line with an individual care plan that identified people’s needs in relation to key aspects of their daily living.

People using the service were protected from the risks of abuse because the provider had appropriate systems in place. We found that members of staff underwent appropriate checks and recruitment processes and were supported with training and supervision. The provider acted on the views of people, relatives and staff about the care provided. They also had a system in place for comments and complaints.

The people who use this service told us that they like to be called service users.

Overall, we have found that Assurance Nursing and Employment Agency meets the essential standards but to maintain this we have suggested that some improvements are made. Please see main report for this information.