The inspection took place on the 25 May and 5 June 2017 and was unannounced. This was the first inspection of the service.

Bradbury Gardens is a care home operated by the National Star Foundation and is closely linked with the National Star College. At the time of our inspection visit 25 people were staying at the service made up of six residents and nineteen college students.

We heard positive comments about the service such as “Bradbury Gardens is a good place to live” and “a happy, safe, caring home”.

Bradbury Gardens 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.

Staff and management understood how to protect people from harm and abuse. Risks to people's safety were identified, assessed and appropriate action taken. People were supported by sufficient staff who had been recruited using thorough checks. People's medicines were safely managed.

People were supported by staff who had training and support to maintain their skills and knowledge to meet their needs. People's rights were protected by the correct use of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005. People's health and well-being was actively promoted.

People received support from caring staff who respected their privacy, dignity and treated them with respect. The importance of people maintaining and developing their independence was understood and equipping people with important life skills was a priority.

People received personalised support that enabled them to pursue their interests at the home and in the community. There were arrangements in place for people to raise concerns about the service.

The service was led by a visible management presence who through continual review aimed to improve the service provided to people.