This inspection took place on 5 January 2018 and was announced. We gave the service 48 hours’ notice of the inspection visit because it is small and the manager is often out of the office supporting staff or providing care. We needed to be sure that they would be in. This was a first ratings inspection.

Care services kidsgrove is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own homes in the community. At the time of the inspection there were two people using the service.

The provider also carried out the role of manager, as an individual they were not required to have a registered manager in post. As the registered person they have the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The provider did not have any documented polices for medicines and complaints, although the processes were clearly understood by the staff. We have made a recommendation about the provision of polices. The provider was aware of their responsibilities for notifications and carried out checks on the quality of the service. Relatives told us the provider was approachable and they could speak to them about concerns.

People were safely supported. Staff understood how to protect people from avoidable abuse and harm and risks were assessed and managed, with appropriate guidance in place for staff. There was sufficient safely recruited staff to ensure people received their care when they needed it and the staff were able to give consistent support. Medicines were managed safely and staff understood how to protect people from the spread of infection. The provider ensured there were systems in place to learn and improve if things went wrong.

People were supported by trained staff and received effective care in line with their support needs. 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 support this practice. People could choose their meals and were supported by staff that understood their preferences. Health care professionals were involved where required and people had support to monitor their health and well-being.

People were supported by kind, caring and responsive staff. People had support from staff to make decisions about their care and support. People were encouraged to maintain their independence and had their privacy and dignity maintained.

People were involved in the assessment and care planning process. People were supported by staff that understood their needs and preferences. Staff used their knowledge of people to provide effective and responsive care. People understood how to make a complaint and felt confident these would be addressed. There was nobody receiving end of life Care but the provider could describe how this would be provided.