This inspection took place on 10 July 2018 and was unannounced. This was the first inspection of the service since it registered with the Care Quality Commission in September 2016.

Greenfields is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Greenfields provides a short stay respite service for up to six adults who have a learning disability, associated physical disability and/or autistic spectrum disorder. At the time of our visit there were two people using the service.

The care service 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 was a registered manager in post who ensured the home was well managed. 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.

People were protected from the risk of abuse and unsafe care and treatment. Staff understood how to recognise and report abuse and the provider’s robust procedures for staff recruitment helped to ensure only suitable staff were employed. Staffing levels were flexible to meet the needs and numbers of the people who were staying at the home. People were supported to live their lives in a safe way because potential risks were identified and managed. People received their prescribed medicines when they needed them from staff who were trained and competent to carry out the task. The provider’s infection control procedures protected people from the risks associated with the spread of infection. Regular health and safety checks helped to ensure the environment remained a safe place for people.

People were supported by a staff team who were well trained and knowledgeable. Staff understood the importance of ensuring people’s rights were respected. 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 were supported to eat well in accordance with their needs and preferences. People’s health and well-being were regularly monitored.

People benefitted from a staff team who were kind, caring and compassionate. Staff took time to get to know people well and they knew what was important to the people they supported. There was an emphasis on empowering people and valuing their views. People were afforded privacy and staff understood the importance of confidentiality.

People were supported to live their lives to the full. Information had been produced in accessible formats which helped people to express their needs and preferences. People were able to continue with their education and to develop and learn new skills. There were ample opportunities for social stimulation and activities. Staff understood the importance of enabling people to maintain contact with their family and friends during their stay.

There were effective procedures in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided to people. There was an ethos of continually striving to improve. People were supported by a happy and well supported staff team who were committed to providing people with the best care possible. The provider promoted an ethos of continually learning, being open and honest and admitting when thing went wrong.