We carried out this unannounced inspection on 15 August 2017. On the day of our inspection there were four people living at the home.

Brook House provides accommodation, personal care and support for up to four adults who have a learning disability which may include epilepsy or autism. Each person has their own individual flat which contained a living area, bedroom and bathroom. Within the living area there was a kitchenette in which people could make snacks and do their laundry.

There was a registered manager in place. 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’s support plans were detailed and included guidelines to staff on how to provide the care and support people needed. This included addressing any potential risks to people, either within or outside of the home. People who had on-going healthcare conditions were supported to see healthcare professionals regularly. People who had needs related to eating and drinking had appropriate guidance in place and people’s medicines were managed safely and stored appropriately. People were involved in choosing what they wished to eat and were encouraged to participate in the preparation of meals.

There was good management oversight of the home. Although the registered manager was not present during our inspection other staff were able to assist us. Records were well organised, up to date and stored confidentially where necessary. The rota was planned to ensure there were sufficient staff to keep people safe and meet their needs. Staff understood their roles in keeping people safe and protecting them from abuse. The provider carried out appropriate pre-employment checks before staff started work.

Where people had accidents and incidents these were recorded and reviewed by staff so appropriate action could be taken. Staff maintained a safe environment, including appropriate standards of fire safety. The provider had developed plans to ensure people would continue to receive care in the event of an emergency.

People were supported to make choices in their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. Staff knew people well and were competent in their roles as they had access to training and on-going support from their line managers.

People were supported by caring staff. Staff treated people with respect and maintained their privacy and dignity. People had access to activities both within and outside of the home. Staff acted within the principals of the Mental Capacity Act to ensure that the correct processes were followed with regards to decisions for people.

The provider had an appropriate complaints procedure and complaints received were responded to appropriately. Staff worked well together and told us there was a good culture within the home. We found this to be the case. Team meetings were used for staff to discuss all aspects of the home and resident’s meeting demonstrated people were included in decisions.

Staff made regular in-house checks and the provider’s area manager carried out regular audits. Any actions identified were addressed.