The inspection took place on 18 September 2017 and was announced. This meant the provider; staff and people using the service knew that we would be carrying out an inspection of the service. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice prior to inspection because the service extra care living services to people in their own flats and we needed to be certain staff and people would be available to speak to us.

The service was previously inspected in June 2016 and received a rating of Good. The service then deregistered as a residential care home and registered as supported living

Potens Dipton Supported Living and Outreach provides accommodation and personal care for up to nine people living with learning disabilities. There were eight people using the service at the time of our inspection.

The service had a registered manager in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. Like directors, 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.

We found the storage, administration and disposal of medicines were safe.

Risks to people arising from their health and support needs as well as the premises were assessed, and plans were in place to minimise them.

There were sufficient numbers of staff on duty in order to keep people safe and meet their needs.

Safeguarding principles were well embedded and staff displayed a good understanding of what to do should they have any concerns.

There were effective pre-employment checks in place to reduce the risk of employing unsuitable members of staff. People who used the service were involved in the interview and selection process.

There was prompt and regular liaison with GPs, nurses and specialists to ensure people received the treatment they needed.

We saw certificates to show staff had completed a range of training, such as safeguarding, health and safety and first aid. Staff had a good knowledge of people’s likes, dislikes and life histories.

Staff had built positive, trusting relationships with the people they cared for. Staff were supported through regular supervision and appraisal and confirmed the manger was supportive and approachable.

People enjoyed the food they had and confirmed they had an input into the menus. People had access to the kitchen to make drinks and snacks throughout the day, supervised be staff where necessary.

People were supported to access activities of their choice. In house activities took place such as arts and crafts and pampering sessions.

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.

The atmosphere at the service was relaxed, homely and welcoming. We saw numerous instances of caring and supportive interactions during our inspection.

The manager completed a number of audits to ensure the quality of the service.

Staff, people who used the service and relatives we spoke with were positive about the manager’s impact on the service. We found the culture to be one where people received a good standard of care in a setting they found homely, safe and secure and were happy to live in.