This inspection was unannounced and took place on 14 September 2016. The service was registered to provide accommodation for up to ten people, who have a mental health condition. At the time of our inspection eight people were using the service.

There was a registered manager in post. 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 home is situated in the town centre of Ilkeston and provides good access to local shops and services. People who used the service told us they felt safe and well cared for. There were always plenty of staff on duty to meet the needs of the people and the manager reflected the level of staff based on people’s needs. Training was available to staff and covered a broad range of training to support them in their role. The provider had a robust recruitment policy and we saw this was followed.

We found staff had established positive relationships with people. The staff team was consistent which provided people with assurance of continuity of support. Staff showed respect for people’s choices in relation to privacy and how they wished to spend their time.

People were able to choose the meals they wish to eat and alternatives were provided. They were encouraged to be independent for some of the meals. We saw that medicines were managed safely and administered in line with people’s prescriptions. Referrals had been made to health care professionals and any guidance provided had been followed.

Staff used information from the person and family or relatives to support the completion of the care plan. People’s care plans were personalised and they had been encouraged to be involved if they wished so that their own wishes and words would be reflected.

People were encouraged and supported with activities they wish to engage in. Any complaints had been addressed and resolved in a timely manner.

People told us they found the service to be kind and friendly. Staff felt supported by the manager and there was a clear process in place to cascade information about the service and the needs of people. People had been encouraged to give feedback about the service. There was a routine approach to completing audits to ensure the service provided continued good service and reflected any continuous improvements.