This inspection took place on 16 and 23 August 2018 and was announced. This was the first inspection of the service since they registered with CQC in July 2017.

Hersham Gardens provides care and support to people living in a ‘supported living’ setting, so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support. People using the service lived in a single ‘house in multi-occupation’ shared by seven people. Each person had their own room and shared communal spaces.

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.

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.

There was a vibrant, creative and inclusive atmosphere at the service. People took the lead on decisions about all aspects of their care and activities. There was a strong focus on achieving goals and positive outcomes for people. Staff had enabled people to learn important skills, enter employment and start businesses. The home was a warm and happy environment in which people and staff worked together to better each other. Training, domestic chores and auditing was completed jointly between people, staff and management.

Staff found creative ways to improve people’s lives and to make them feel good about themselves. Staff knew people well and systems were in place to provide opportunities for people to tell their stories and develop relationships within the service and the wider community. There was a strong community ethic with regular events and charity initiatives led by people. Throughout the day people and staff created a warm and pleasant atmosphere as they interacted with each other.

Staff and people spoke highly of the registered manager. The registered manager went beyond expectations to improve people's lives. Staff were encouraged to think creatively by driving improvement, in line with the provider's values. Staff good practice was rewarded and recognised with award schemes and people benefits from strong staff retention at the service.

Risks to people had been appropriately assessed and managed. Where incidents had occurred, action was taken to keep people safe and prevent a similar incident from happening again. Staff understood how to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns. The provider monitored and analysed incidents and carried out a variety of audits to check the quality of the care that people received.

People were supported to make meals that were in line with their preferences and dietary needs. Staff ensured people accessed healthcare professionals when necessary and medicines were managed in line with best practice. Staff sought people’s consent before providing care and the needs of people were thoroughly assessed before they came to live at the service. The home environment was clean and measures were in place to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. The home environment was adapted to meet the needs of the people who lived there.