This inspection took place on 4 and 5 April 2017 and was unannounced. This was the first inspection since the service registered in April 2016.

Shinfield View Care Home is a care home without nursing that provides a service to up to 66 people, some of whom may be living with dementia. They are also able to provide a service to people with physical disabilities and/or a sensory impairment. The accommodation is arranged over two floors, with lift access to each floor. At the time of our inspection there were 41 people living at the service.

The service had a registered manager as required. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC 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. The registered manager was not available during this inspection. The nominated individual, operations manager, deputy manager and administrator assisted us during this inspection.

People felt safe living at the service and were protected from risks relating to their care and welfare. Staff knew how to recognise the signs of abuse and were aware of actions to take if they felt people were at risk. Some concerns were raised with the service and local safeguarding team in February 2017. The provider took prompt and appropriate action to address the concerns and implemented new systems to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Premises risk assessments and health and safety audits were carried out and issues identified were dealt with quickly. Furniture and fixtures were of good quality and well maintained.

People were protected by the provider's recruitment processes. Safe recruitment practices were followed before staff were employed to work with people. Required checks were made to ensure staff were of good character and suitable for their role.

People received care and support from staff who knew them well. Staff training was up to date and staff felt they received the training they needed to carry out their work safely and effectively. People received support that was individualised to their personal preferences and needs. Their needs were monitored and care plans were reviewed monthly or as changes occurred.

People received effective health care and support. Medicines were stored and handled correctly and safely. 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.

Meals were nutritious and varied. People told us they enjoyed the meals at the service and confirmed they were given choices. People told us how they appreciated the quality and choice of food as well as the number and variety of activities available to them.

People were treated with care and kindness. People's wellbeing was protected and all interactions observed between staff and people living at the service were respectful and friendly. People confirmed staff respected their privacy and dignity.

People were aware of how to make a complaint. They told us they could approach management and staff with any concerns and felt they would listen and take action. They benefitted from living at a service that had an open and friendly culture and from a staff team that were happy in their work.

People living at the service felt there was a good atmosphere and thought they were provided with a comfortable and homely environment to live in. Staff felt the service was well-managed. They told us the management team were open with them and communicated what was happening at the service and with the people living there.