This inspection took place on 16 June 2017 and was announced. We told the provider we were coming as we needed to be sure the management team were available to speak with us. This was the service's first inspection since it was registered with CQC in April 2016. Leaf Care Services is a domiciliary service which provides personal care and support to people in their own homes. At the time of our inspection there were 70 people receiving personal care from 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.

People received visits from consistent staff at their preferred times and for the duration they had agreed. People were supported by staff who received on-going training and guidance for their roles. Feedback indicated satisfaction with the care provided by staff.

Care plans were developed and maintained for people who used the service. Care plans covered support needs and personal preferences. Plans were reviewed and updated at regular intervals and information was sought from appropriate professionals as and when required.

Risk assessments were in place to help protect people from avoidable harm. Assessments contained detailed guidance for staff about how to minimise the risk of harm whilst protecting people's rights and freedoms.

Staff had been trained in safeguarding topics. The registered manager had a good understanding of safeguarding processes and followed these in practice. Thorough recruitment processes were followed before staff started work. This reduced the risk of unsuitable people being employed.

The service acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) when necessary. People were supported to make their own choices and this was reflected in their care records. Some care records would benefit from further clarity in relation to what decisions people were able to make for themselves.

People were supported by well trained, skilled staff. Staff supervision, meetings and appraisals were taking place on a routine basis, which meant staff had the opportunity to reflect on and develop their practice. Training was provided for staff to enable them to carry out their tasks effectively. The service was working proactively to identify staff training needs. Staff praised the training on offer.

Medicines were safely managed. Medicine records were completed correctly, and checks of these were undertaken on a regular basis. This meant if any errors were made they could be addressed quickly. The service had a medicines champion (a person with increased knowledge of medicines) in post who supported staff to raise any queries or learning needs they had in relation to managing people’s medicines.

People were supported to seek further healthcare support as required to promote their health.

The registered manager had implemented a range of assurance systems to monitor the quality and effectiveness of the service provided. Systems were in place to seek feedback from all people who used the service as a means to develop and improve service delivery.

Staff were positive about ways in which the service was managed and the support received from the management team. They described a positive working environment. There was clear leadership and management at this service. The registered manager was described as approachable and part of the team; they promoted the values of the service and we saw that they led by example.