This was an announced inspection that took place on 1 June 2018.

This service provides care and support to people living in specialist ‘extra care’ housing. Extra care housing is purpose-built or adapted single household accommodation in a shared site or building. The accommodation is rented, and is the occupant’s own home. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for extra care housing; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support. The service provides personal care for up to four people with learning disabilities. It is located in the Frimley area in Surrey.

The service had a 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

This was the first inspection since the service was registered.

The home was a safe place to live and work and there was a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. People enjoyed living at Station Road and were happy there. They were enabled to make their own choices, including the various activities they took part in at home and in the community. They enjoyed the way staff provided them with care and support. There were positive interactions between each other and with staff throughout our visit.

The service kept records that were up to date and covered all aspects of the care and support people received. People had care plans that were individualised to them and contained regularly reviewed, comprehensive information. This enabled staff to support people efficiently and professionally. Staff encouraged people to discuss their health needs with them and people had access to GP’s and other community based health professionals. People were encouraged and supported to choose healthy and balanced diets that also met their likes, dislikes and preferences, whilst protecting them from nutrition and hydration associated risks. They told us they chose what they ate and were happy with the quality of meals provided.

People were well supported, knew the staff that supported them and staff were fully aware of people’s needs, routines and preferences. Relatives told us that staff worked well as a team and provided them with updated information as required. Staff had appropriate skills and provided care and support in a professional, friendly and supportive way that was focussed on people and their individual needs. The staff were well trained and made themselves accessible to people and their relatives. Staff told us that the organisation was a good one to work for and they enjoyed working for the service. They received good training, support and there were opportunities for career advancement.

People said the registered manager and provider were approachable, responsive, encouraged feedback and consistently monitored and assessed the quality of the service.