This inspection took place on the 4 and 5 April 2017 and was unannounced. This is the first inspection carried out at the service since the provider transferred to a new provider and their registration with the Care Quality Commission was completed in October 2016. The service provides accommodation and care for three adults with learning and or physical and sensory disabilities.

The home had 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.

The service was found to be safe. People’s medicines were stored and administered in a safe way. Risks assessments had been completed and plans to minimise these risks were in place. There were sufficient staff in place to provide care that met people’s individual’s needs. Staff were recruited in a safe way, by completing previous employment checks and ensuring candidates were safe to work with people. Staff knew how to identify signs of abuse and what action was required.

Staff received support to carry out their role, through induction, training, supervision and appraisals. Competency checks were carried out for staff administering medicines. Staff meetings facilitated staff discussions on how the service to people could be improved.

Staff understood The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Where restrictions were in place to safeguard people, applications had been made to the local authority.

Staff were caring, kind and considerate. They respected people and their wishes. They knew people well and were able to understand people’s communication skills. Where people required support with their meals this was provided in line with professional advice. People had access to health professionals to assist them to maintain good health.

We observed positive interaction between staff and people. Relatives described staff as “Fantastic” “Patient” and “Caring.” Staff demonstrated a passion for the care they provided. We saw people’s privacy, dignity and independence were respected.

Care plans were in place to guide staff in how to care for people. These were detailed but some needed old information removing from them. This was in progress. Families reported they had contact with staff and the registered manager when needed and on regular visits. Relatives told us people were happy living in the home and their needs were met. People were supported to participate in activities both in the community and in the home. No complaints had been made since the service had changed provider.

From our observations and feedback from staff and relatives we found the service to be well managed. Staff were clear about their role and their responsibilities. They were working in line with the provider’s values. Audits of the service were completed and improvements where needed were planned.