Sherwood Grange was first registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in May 2016. This is the first inspection of the service since registration. This inspection took place 21 March 2017 and was unannounced.

Sherwood Grange is registered to provide accommodation and personal and nursing care to up to 59 older people. The service specialises in caring for people living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 31 people living at the home.

The service had a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Sherwood Grange was a new, purpose built care home which provided a comfortable and supportive environment for older people, many of whom were frail, had reduced mobility and/or sensory impairment and were living with dementia. People said the home was a comfortable and safe place to live. The environment was clean, tidy and free from malodours. Regular checks of the premises and equipment were carried out to ensure these were safe and posed no risks to people.

Staff knew what action to take to ensure people were protected if they suspected they were at risk of abuse or harm. They followed guidance to keep people safe from identified risks to their health, safety and welfare. Senior staff ensured learning from any accidents and incidents was used to reduce risks of further reoccurrence, to protect people.

There were enough staff to support people. The provider carried out appropriate checks on their suitability and fitness to support people. Staff were trained and supported by senior staff to meet people’s needs. They were kind, caring and thoughtful and knew people well. Staff provided people with support that was dignified, respectful and which maintained their privacy at all times. They supported people to be as independent as they could and wanted to be in the home and community.

People were involved in planning and making decisions about their care and support needs. People’s care plans reflected their needs and their choices and preferences for how they received care. Staff were aware of their duties under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). They obtained people’s consent before providing support and followed legal requirements where people did not have the capacity to consent.

People were supported to stay healthy and well. Staff encouraged them to eat and drink sufficient amounts to meet their needs and monitored people’s general health and wellbeing. Where there were any issues or concerns about a person’s health, staff ensured they received prompt care and attention from appropriate healthcare professionals such as the GP. People received their medicines as prescribed and these were stored safely in the home.

People were supported to live an active life, pursue their interests and build and develop social relationships with others. People had access to a wide range of activities in the home and community and they were actively encouraged to participate in these. The service had good links with the wider community such as the local school and church to widen the range of activities and events that people could take part in and enjoy.

The registered manager encouraged an open, inclusive culture within the home. People and staff were asked to give their views about the quality of the service and how this could be improved. The registered manager acted on this feedback to make changes where these were needed. Visitors and relatives were free to visit their family members and were warmly welcomed. People said they felt comfortable raising any issues or concerns directly with staff. There were arrangements in place to deal with