We inspected this service on 15 February 2017. The inspection visit was announced.

Riverswey provides accommodation and personal care for up to three people with learning disabilities. There were three people using the service at the time of our visit. The people are supported with a full range of tasks, including maintaining their health and well-being, personal care, support with nutrition and social activities.

This was a focused inspection following the last inspection in April 2016. Despite being awarded an overall rating of ‘Good’ during the last inspection we found a breach in Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This follow up inspection on 15 February was a focused inspection to check if the service was well led.

On the day of inspection we met the registered manager. 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.

Despite people saying that they were happy with their support there were mixed views from staff about the management and leadership of the home.

Improvements had been made to the auditing processes at the home with the implementation of a health and safety audit and monthly workbook.

Half the staff we spoke to felt supported by management. Half raised concerns about the amount of time the registered manager was able to spend at the home. The registered manager was managing two homes. We were told this led to staffing issues not being addressed effectively due to lack of managerial presence at the home. We have recommended that there is more managerial oversight at the service.

People were involved in the running of the service. Staff understood and worked in line with the vision and values of the home to ensure people received the care they needed.

The registered manager understood their responsibilities and notified CQC of any significant events at the home.

This inspection took place on 6 April 2016 and was unannounced. At our last inspection in September 2013 the provider met the regulations we inspected.

Riverswey provides accommodation and personal care for up to three people with learning disabilities. There were three people using the service at the time of our visit.

The home had 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.

Two people told us they liked living at Riverswey and said that staff were kind and caring towards them. There was a relaxed and friendly atmosphere when we visited.

There were clear procedures in place to recognise and respond to abuse and staff had been trained in how to follow these. Staffing numbers were sufficient to help make sure people were kept safe.

People received care and support from a long standing group of staff who knew them very well and understood their needs and preferences. Each person had individualised and detailed support plans to make sure they received the support they required. Assessments completed by the service identified any risks to each person and helped to safely promote their independence.

People were supported to have their health needs met. We saw that people’s prescribed medicines were being stored securely and managed safely.

Senior staff supported staff to deliver appropriate care and support. Staff attended training which gave them the knowledge and skills to support people effectively. Staff had received training in the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

The systems in place to monitor the quality of the service could be improved. We found shortfalls with health and safety checks and the support provided to staff through management supervision. This meant the safety and quality of the service was not always being appropriately audited and assessed.

On the day of the inspection both the registered manager and deputy were unavailable and we were assisted by two members of staff. We were not able to speak to relatives regarding people’s care and support but we reviewed the responses to a ‘family opinions’ survey which had been carried out recently.

We found that there were processes in place to gain the consent of people or their representatives to the care provided and that people’s rights were upheld.

We spoke with all three people who used the service and they were positive about the support they received. One person said, “They all know how to look after me for the best. They do ask me about things and I know it’s my choice that counts”.

The service had weekly and monthly cleaning schedules in place to reduce the risk of infection and the property appeared hygienic and well maintained. A regular hand washing regime was in place.

We found that staff were supported in their roles in terms of training, supervision and opportunities for professional development. One member told us, “We are all supported by the company to complete a diploma and some of us go on to specialise in certain aspects of care”.

We found that there were effective systems in place to monitor the quality of the service. One person who used the service told us, “Every week I sit down with my key worker and we talk about how it’s going. If I’m not happy I don’t wait for the meeting, I tell them straight away”.

People's needs were assessed and care and support was planned and delivered in line with their individual support plan. We found that people were supported by staff who enabled them to develop independence and to make decisions about their lifestyle, support and care.

People told us that they felt safe in the service. One said, “I feel very safe here. I know everybody except you and they look after me”. A relative told us, “If they didn’t feel safe they wouldn’t want to stay. I’d know straight away and the staff would too”.

The registered manager told us that since the last inspection repair work had been carried out to the roof. This had enabled redecoration to take place in the rooms affected by damp.. We noted that the building and gardens were properly maintained and that all rooms were in good decorative condition.

We saw that there were effective recruitment procedures to ensure that suitable staff were recruited. Staff received additional specialist training for the role.

The registered manager told us ”Complaints and happiness of people who use the service are standing agenda items for monthly meetings. We work very closely in this service and we are managing people’s happiness the whole time”.

We found that the service had an effective complaints process in place. One person we spoke with told us, “I’ve never had to complain about my care. I moan sometimes but the staff treat me very well and take care of me”.