This inspection took place on 10 January 2019 and was announced. The was the first inspection since the service registered with us in February 2018.

SASA Homes Limited is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. The service is registered to provide accommodation and support with personal care for up to three people with autistic spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, challenging behaviour and associated mental health problems and illnesses. On the day of our visit there was one person living at the service.

The service has 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.

There was a registered manager in place. 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.

Safeguarding procedures were robust and staff understood how to safeguard the people they supported. Staff knew what actions to take if they thought a person might be at risk. They also had received training in how to recognise and report abuse. There were appropriate risk assessments in place to ensure people were cared for in a safe environment.

There were enough staff employed at the service and effective systems for the safe recruitment of staff were in place.

The service had suitable arrangements in place to protect people against the risks associated with the unsafe management of medicines, which included the obtaining, recording, administering, safe keeping and disposal of medicines.

People’s needs were assessed and care and support was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan. Care and support was delivered in a safe way by staff who had received appropriate training. People received support from staff who knew them well and had the knowledge and skills to meet their needs.

People were supported to make informed choices and staff had awareness of the Mental Capacity (MCA) Act 2005. They were able to make choices with regard to their daily lives, such as what they would like to wear or to eat or whether they would like to join in any activities. People and families were involved in decisions relating to peoples care and support.

Staff were aware of the importance of ensuring people’s privacy and their confidentiality was protected. People were provided with a choice of suitable and nutritious food and drink that they enjoyed.

People were supported with a wide variety of their preferred social activities and interests. Records confirmed people’s preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been identified and care and support had been provided in accordance with people’s wishes.

The service was well led by an open and approachable team who worked with other professionals to make sure people received appropriate care and support. There were systems in place to monitor how the service was run to ensure people received a quality service. Where shortfalls or concerns were raised, these were addressed. There was a management structure in the service which provided clear lines of responsibility and accountability.