This inspection took place on 19 January 2018 and was announced. This was the service’s first inspection having opened in April 2017.

Fernside is a small residential care home without nursing that provides support for up to 4 people aged 18-65 with complex medical, physical and learning needs. It is located in a purpose built bungalow with a large level access garden. At the time of our inspection the home was providing support to four people. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

This is the first care home for provider Tailored Transitions Ltd. The service was created by the registered manager and the nominated individual. 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. A nominated individual is a person who is responsible for supervising the management of the regulated activity that takes place at the location. Both the registered manager and nominated individual are registered learning disability nurses with a total of 14 years’ experience in the care sector.

The care service at Fernside has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen. Registering the Right Support CQC policy

There were enough staff to keep people safe and meet people’s individual needs. There was a safeguarding policy and procedures in place to protect people from abuse and harm. Staff understood their responsibilities to safeguard people and knew how to raise concerns both internally or externally if required. Staff had a good understanding of people’s individual risks and how to manage them positively without being unduly restrictive. There were processes in place to ensure safe recruitment of staff to reduce the risks to people living at the home.

People were supported by staff with the skills, knowledge to meet their individual needs. There were processes in place to ensure staff had a robust induction to the service. Staff competency was monitored on an ongoing basis through observation, appraisal, and supervision. Staff received mandatory and bespoke training that enabled them to meet people’s complex needs. Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA 2005) and how it applied to the people there. This provides protection for people who do not have capacity to make decisions for themselves.

Staff interacted with people in a kind, inclusive and positive way. There was a relaxed and happy atmosphere at the home with staff observed giving their time and responding to people in a patient and timely way. People’s right to privacy and dignity was respected. People were supported to maintain relationships with relatives and friends and actively participate in community events. Staff demonstrated a good understanding of the people living there including their backgrounds, needs, abilities, preferences and wishes. People’s support needs were identified, assessed and documented in personalised care plans.

People’s care needs were assessed, monitored and regularly reviewed with their involvement, people important to them and healthcare professionals. The provider had established excellent relationships with healthcare professionals and relatives who were contacted and involved in a timely way to meet people’s complex and changing needs. Relatives felt listened to and involved in their loved