170 Oval Road is a residential care home, providing accommodation and personal care for up to three people with learning disabilities. There is a second home at 164a Oval Road, again for up to three people which is run and managed by the same provider. 170 Oval Road has a registered manager who also manages the sister home. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service and shares the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law with the provider.

At our previous inspection in November 2014, we found the provider was meeting the regulations we inspected.

People were able to tell us directly what their views were of the service and told us that they felt safe using the service. Staff were trained in safeguarding adults and the service had policies and procedures in place to ensure that the service responded appropriately to allegations or suspicions of abuse. The service ensured that people’s human rights were respected and took action to assess and minimise risks to people. Staff had received training on behaviour that may challenge and the service consulted with other professionals about managing aspects of behaviour safely.

People told us that they thought that staff were friendly and helpful. Throughout our inspection we observed that staff were caring and attentive to people. Staff approached people with dignity and respect and demonstrated a good understanding of people’s needs. Staff were quick to respond when people needed support.

There were enough qualified and skilled staff at the service. Staff had access to information, support and training that they needed to do their jobs well. The provider’s training programme was designed to meet the needs of people using the service so that staff had the knowledge they required to care for people effectively. The provider also made use of training provided by the local authority social services team when this was offered.

People were provided with a range of activities in and outside the service which met their individual needs and interests. People were encouraged to build and develop their independent living skills both in the service and in the community.

Care plans contained information about the health and social care support people needed and records showed they were supported to access other professionals when required. People were involved in making decisions about their care. Where people's needs changed, the provider responded and reviewed the care provided.

People using the service and staff told us they found the manager to be friendly and accessible. We observed an open and inclusive atmosphere in the service and the manager led by example. Staff were happy working for the service and motivated to provide person centred care.

The service had effective procedures for reporting and investigating incidents and accidents.

The people who used this service told us that they like to be called residents. People we spoke with told us that they were happy living at 170, Oval Road. Most of the residents had lived there for many years and saw it as their home. One person said, “I like living here. We have just had a lovely holiday at Centre Parks”. Another person told us that they were very happy living in such a family type environment where they were properly cared for in every way.

The people who use this service told us that they like to be called residents. People we spoke with told us that they were happy living at 170, Oval Road. Most of the residents had lived there for many years and saw it as their home. One person said, “I have lived here since 2002, it’s my home and I like living here. We have lovely holidays here and the food is good too”. Another person told us that they were very happy living in such a family type environment where they were properly cared for in every way. One person said, “The staff are lovely, so kind to us all. I am going out this afternoon with a member of staff. I love going to the shops in Croydon and I feel safe then”.

The people who use this service told us that they like to be called residents.

Overall, we have found that 170 Oval Road meets the essential standards but to maintain this we have suggested that some improvements are made. Please see main report for this information.

Oval Residential Home - 170 Oval Road – 170 Oval Road is a residential care home, providing accommodation and personal care for up to three people with learning disabilities. There is a second home at 164a Oval Road, known as “Oval Residential Home - 170 Oval Road”, again for up to three people which is run and managed by the same provider. Oval Residential Home - 170 Oval Road – 170 Oval Road has a registered manager who also manages the sister home. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service and shares the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law with the provider.

At our previous inspection in September 2013, we found the provider was meeting the regulations we inspected. This latest inspection took place on 24 November 2014 and was unannounced.

People were able to tell us directly what their views were of the service and told us that they felt safe using the service. Staff were trained in safeguarding adults and the service had policies and procedures in place to ensure that the service responded appropriately to allegations or suspicions of abuse. The service ensured that people’s human rights were respected and took action to assess and minimise risks to people. Staff had received training on behaviour that may challenge and the service consulted with other professionals about managing aspects of behaviour safely.

Both people we spoke with told us that they thought that staff were friendly and helpful. Throughout our inspection we observed that staff were caring and attentive to people. Staff approached people with dignity and respect and demonstrated a good understanding of people’s needs. Staff were quick to respond when people needed support.

There were enough qualified and skilled staff at the service. Staff had access to information, support and training that they needed to do their jobs well. The provider’s training programme was designed to meet the needs of people using the service so that staff had the knowledge they required to care for people effectively. The provider also made use of training provided by the local authority social services team when this was offered.

People were provided with a range of activities in and outside the service which met their individual needs and interests. People were encouraged to build and develop their independent living skills both in the service and in the community.

Care plans contained information about the health and social care support people needed and records showed they were supported to access other professionals when required. People were involved in making decisions about their care. Where people's needs changed, the provider responded and reviewed the care provided.

People using the service and staff told us they found the manager to be friendly and accessible. We observed an open and inclusive atmosphere in the service and the manager led by example. Staff were happy working for the service and motivated to provide person centred care.

The service had effective procedures for reporting and investigating incidents and accidents.