This inspection took place on 9 March 2017 and was unannounced.

Baronsmede is registered to provide personal care for up to nine people with a learning disability. The service also provides supported living services to people on an adjacent property. The provider offered day services where people could attend. At the time of our inspection, eight people were using the service.

The service had 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.

People were protected from harm because staff had had been trained to recognise abuse and knew what action to take to keep people safe. Appropriate recruitment procedures ensured staff were suitable to provide people’s support. People’s needs were met by a sufficient number of skilled staff. People received support to take their medicines from competent staff. Medicines were safely and securely stored at the service.

People received care from staff with the relevant knowledge to meet their individual needs. Staff received ongoing training, supervision and support to enable them to be effective in their role. People received enough to eat and drink and enjoyed the choice of meals provided at the service. Staff supported people to access healthcare services and to have their health needs met.

Staff sought people's consent before they supported them and respected their choices. People’s support was provided in line with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Staff upheld people’s dignity and privacy when they supported them. Staff were kind and caring and promoted people’s independence. People’s communication needs were understood which enabled staff to deliver appropriate care to them.

People received care responsive to their individual needs, wishes, preferences and routines. People were involved in decisions about their care. Staff were familiar with people and had developed good relationships with them. People and their relatives knew how to make a complaint about their care and were confident about doing so.

People’s views were sought and acted on to improve the quality of care provided. An open and inclusive culture encouraged staff to provide personalised care to people. The registered manager was approachable and visible at the service. Staff felt valued at the service and were clear about their roles and responsibilities. The quality of care was assessed and monitored and improvements were made when needed.