We inspected Beechcroft -Cheltenham on 18 December 2017 and visited the provider's regional office on 9 January 2018. Beechcroft provides accommodation and personal care to four people who had a learning disability or were on the autistic spectrum. At the time of our inspection three people were living in the home. Beechcroft is situated near the centre of Cheltenham close to a range of amenities, with good connections to the town centre. The home has a garden people can access, including an activity shed. People were assisted by social care workers with their day to day needs and a range of activities.

This was the first inspection under the current provider registration which started in October 2016. Previously the service was inspected under a previous provider name in May 2015 and was rated as “Good”. While the provider name had changed the service and its staff had remained the same.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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.

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.

People were safe and were supported to live as full and as active life as possible. People living at Beechcroft were protected from the risks associated with their care. Social care workers supported people to access the community and develop their personal skills. Social care workers supported people with their medical and health care needs. There were enough staff so that people could undertake the activities they wished and be supported in meeting their individual needs.

People’s care plans were tailored to their individual needs. Their social care workers knew people well and knew how to support them with their goals. People's achievements were documented and celebrated. The registered manager and staff looked for opportunities to offer people that would help them grow, gain confidence and live a fulfilled life.

Social care workers were well supported and had the benefit of a training programme which enabled them to have the skills to ensure they could provide people with the best possible care and support. Social care workers understood and worked to the values of the registered manager and the provider and put people at the heart of everything they did. Staff were supported to develop professionally through dedicated management training programmes.

The service had a strong leadership presence. They were committed and passionate about the people they supported and were constantly looking for ways to improve. The home and the registered manager had significant support and guidance from the provider. Thorough and frequent quality assurance processes and audits ensured that all care and support was delivered in the safest and most effective way possible.