Barnfield House is a care home that provides care for up to 18 people with mental health needs. On the day of the inspection 14 people were living at the service.

We carried out this announced inspection on 10 October 2017. This was the first inspection since the provider registered as a new legal entity in March 2017.

There was a registered manager in post who was responsible for the day-to-day running of 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, and their relatives, told us they were happy with the care they received and believed it was a safe environment. Comments included, “I like living here, I feel safe”, “I like it here and I like my room” and “No cause for concern.”

On the day of our inspection there was a calm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the service. We observed people had a good relationship with staff and each other. There were plenty of friendly and respectful conversations between people and with staff. The staff team had developed kind and supportive relationships with people using the service.

Care and support was provided by a consistent staff team, who knew people well and understood their needs. People were able to make choices about their daily lives including accessing the local community. Staff supported people to live as independently as possible. Risk assessment procedures were designed to enable people to take risks while providing appropriate protection.

There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff on duty and staffing levels were adjusted to meet people’s changing needs and wishes. Staff completed a thorough recruitment process to ensure they had the appropriate skills and knowledge. Staff knew how to recognise and report the signs of abuse.

People were supported to eat and drink enough and maintain a balanced diet and were involved in meal planning. Menu planning was done in a way which combined healthy eating with the choices people made about their food.

People were supported to maintain good health, have access to healthcare services and receive on-going healthcare support. Staff helped people to arrange and attend appointments to see their GP and other necessary healthcare appointments.

Care records were up to date, had been regularly reviewed, and accurately reflected people’s care and support needs. People were involved in decisions about their support and consented to the care provided.

Where people did not have the capacity to make certain decisions staff acted in accordance with legal requirements under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

People and their families were given information about how to complain. The registered and deputy managers were visible in the service, regularly working alongside staff to provide care and support for people. There was a positive culture within the staff team and staff said they were supported by the management. Comments from staff included, “It’s great here, we do what we can to improve people’s lives”, “Good atmosphere working here. We are one big relaxed family” and “Staff and management all work together as a team.”

Relatives and healthcare professionals told us they had confidence in the management of the service. Comments included, “The registered manager is focussed on improving the care and quality of life for residents at Barnfield” and “The change in management has been for the good. The new manager understands people's needs.”

There were effective quality assurance systems in place to make sure that any areas for improvement were identified and addressed. People and their families were involved in the running of the service and were regularly asked for their views