This inspection took place on 12 June 2018 and was unannounced. This was the provider’s first inspection since their registration change in June 2017. The service had been rated ‘Good’ overall under its previous provider registration.

Boldmere Drive is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Boldmere Drive accommodates four people in one house. 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.

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. There was a registered manager for the service although they were on annual leave during our visit. Our inspection was supported by the assistant manager.

All feedback we received reflected people were safe living at the home. Staff understood how to protect people from harm. People’s risks were known to staff and monitored with input from healthcare professionals as needed to help keep people safe and well. People were supported with their medicines safely. Health and safety checks were in place and people were supported in a clean and comfortable environment.

Feedback suggested there were enough staff to meet people’s needs and keep them safe. However, staffing arrangements were under adjustment at the time of our inspection and staff were rushed at times. People were supported by suitably recruited staff.

People were supported to have their needs met by staff who knew them well and who had received training for their roles. People were supported to access healthcare support as needed. People were supported to have enough food and drink of their preferences and to maintain a healthy diet.

The home was developed and designed according to people’s needs and preferences. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were treated with kindness and respect and had good relationships with staff. People were supported to understand and make decisions about their care, and were given emotional support when needed. People’s privacy, dignity and independence was promoted.

People received a service that responded to their needs and wishes. People were supported to follow routines and activities of interest to them. Staff were aware of people’s individual needs and preferences and how to respond effectively. People had information about how to complain in their rooms. Everyone we spoke with would feel comfortable raising concerns and issues with the service and systems were in place to respond to complaints.

People, staff and relatives were involved and engaged with, and spoke positively about the service. Reference was made to healthcare professional advice and current good practice guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of people’s care. The provider had submitted notifications to CQC, and displayed their CQC ratings information as required. Systems were in place to assess and monitor the quality and safety of the service.