This inspection took place on the 14 May 2018 and was unannounced. The inspection team consisted of one inspector. The service was previously under a different provider and was recently purchased by Ambito Care and Education as of 1 May 2018.

Henderson and Harvard is a registered care home providing 24 hour care for eight adults with severe or profound learning disabilities and those with additional mobility or physical difficulties. The care home is two linked bungalows purpose built house in a residential road in Tiptree, Essex. It has a very large garden, two separate lounges, dining areas and each person has a single room with ensuite. There is a rear-enclosed garden at the back of the house with level access. At the time of our inspection there were eight 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.

The service had a registered manager. 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 safe. The recruitment process ensured that appropriate checks were carried out before staff commenced employment. There were sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of people and keep them safe from potential harm or abuse. The service assessed people's health and wellbeing needs and carried out risk assessments to minimise risks to health. The registered manager and staff kept people's medication records up to date.

The service was effective. People were cared for, and supported by staff, who had received training to support people and to meet their needs. The registered manager had a good understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. 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 supported this practice. People were supported to eat and drink enough to ensure they maintained a balanced diet and referrals to health and social care services were made when required.

The service was caring. Staff cared for people in an empathetic and kind manner. Staff had a good understanding of people's preferences of care. Staff worked hard to promote people's independence through encouraging and supporting people to make informed decisions.

The service was responsive. Records we viewed showed people and their relatives were involved in the planning and review of their care. Support plans were reviewed on a regular basis and when there was a change in care needs. People were supported to follow their interests and participate in social activities. The service responded to complaints in a timely manner.

The service was well-led. Staff and people spoke very highly of the registered manager and the provider who were supportive and worked hard to provide a good service. The service had systems in place to monitor and provide good care and these were reviewed on a regular basis.