This inspection took place on 21, 23 29 November and 18 December 2017. The inspection was announced, which means the provider was given 48 hours’ notice as we wanted to make sure someone would be available.

The service was re-registered by CQC in March 2017 due to a change of address. This was the services first inspection under the provider’s new registration.

This service provides care and support to people living in ‘supported living’ settings, 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 no more than six people in one house. Houses in multiple occupation are properties where at least three people lived in one household shared a toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities. However, other people lived in single occupancy flats, with a room for staff to use. Some of the houses had large shared communal rooms and grounds.

The service had 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 manager in post at the time of this inspection who’s application to become registered manager was being processed by the Commission. 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 a legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

During this inspection, we received positive feedback from the local authorities regarding the service, and improvements they had made. There were still some concerns in one area, however, and the provider was working closely with the local authority in this area to ensure that improvements were sustained. We felt reassured speaking to the local authority and visiting some people’s homes in this area, that the provider was making good progress with their action plan. However we have requested to be kept updated with regards to this . The provider was open and honest about these concerns, the local authorities were positive regarding this service, and were happy to support the service to improve.

Everyone we spoke with said they felt safe and happy being supported by Outreach Services.

Staff we spoke with were clearly able to explain the course of action that they would take if they felt someone was being harmed or abused, and how they would report it, including whistleblowing to external organisations.

There was enough staff employed by the service to provide a good service, however in some areas, agency staff were being used. The provider explained the staffing situation and told us how they tried to minimise the impact of using agency staff on the people they supported. They told us they were deploying staff from one agency to provide consistency and familiar staff.

Medicines were well recorded and managed for people who required support. Assessments were being completed to support people with their medication needs.

Risk assessments were clear, concise and explained the impact of the risk as well as how the staff should support the person to manage the risk. Risk assessments were regularly reviewed with the input of the people who used the service and their families.

There where enough suitably trained staff to meet their individual care needs. Staff where only appointed after a thorough recruitment process. Staff where available to support people t