During our inspection, we spoke to four children and young people who were staying at Dragon Square, two relatives and four staff. The staff we talked with told us they had worked there for many years and were very committed to the children and young people who used the service. One staff told us, “It’s like coming home each day, I really enjoy working here.’’ We spoke to a relative who said, "They (the staff) are really good and committed to the children."

We saw staff communicating with children and young people according to their individual communication needs. The environment promoted the dignity or independence of children and young people. One relative told us, “Staff look after X the way X’s mum does.’’

We found that children and young people are looked after by a stable staff team. The trust ensures that sufficient staff were available to meet the care needs of the children and young people.

We found that care records are regularly updated to reflect care and support needs. We saw that they were securely kept and were easily accessible to staff so they had the information they needed to provide a quality service.

During our inspection, we spoke or spent time with six children and young people who were staying at Dragon Square and one relative. Dragon Square provided a clean and homely environment. The staff showed a genuine commitment to the children and young people in their care, and created a happy and loving environment. We spoke to a relative who said, “Dragon Square is a wonderful place, a home from home. I know XX is in safe hands.”

Children’s and young people’s independence and choices were not always fully supported. We did not see staff communicating with children and young people according to their individual communication needs. The current environment did not fully promote the dignity or independence of children and young people. The quality and accuracy of records needed to improve.

Dragon Square worked in partnership with local health and social care partners and other services to ensure children and young people were looked after and supported effectively. Their welfare, safety and quality of life were monitored through regular reviews and checks with their families. A relative told us, “The staff follow my care plan and instructions.”

Dragon Square had a stable staff team, which meant children and young people were looked after by familiar staff. We were not able to evidence how the number and skill mix of staff on duty was assessed to ensure there was always the right staff, at the right time to meet the needs of children and young people.