The inspection took place on 22 June 2017 and was announced. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice because people who used the service were often out during the day and we needed to be sure that someone would be available to speak to us. This was the first rated inspection of this service since it re-registered with us in August 2016 after changing their address. There had been no change of provider.

SLC Paragon (Midlands) is registered to provide personal care and support to people with a learning and physical disability who live independently in the community. On the day of our inspection there were 3 people receiving support.

There was a registered manager in post who was present during the inspection process. 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.

People were safe and care staff were able to show that they knew how to keep people safe. There were enough care staff to support people. Where people needed support with their medicines this was being done as it was prescribed.

Care staff were able to get support when needed to ensure they had the skills and knowledge to meet people’s needs. The provider showed they understood their obligations within the Mental Capacity Act and care staff asked people for their consent before providing support. People were able to see a healthcare professional when needed and eat food and drink of their choice.

Care staff were compassionate and kind. People lived their lives independently and their views and choices were an integral part of how they were supported. People’s privacy and dignity was respected.

The assessment and care planning process involved people to ensure they were supported how they wanted. People knew how to complain and who to. The provider ensured complaints and compliments were handled and monitored appropriately.

People told us that the registered manager visited however we saw no written evidence of these visits/checks. People were able to share their views by completing a provider questionnaire (satisfaction survey).