This inspection took place on 7 and 8 August 2017. This is the first inspection carried out at the service since the provider transferred to a new provider. Their registration with the Care Quality Commission was completed in October 2016.

At the time of the inspection The Crossings was providing accommodation and care for three adults with learning disabilities including one person who had additional physical disabilities. The service had 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.

Prior to the inspection we responded to concerns about low staffing levels by visiting the service unannounced. We found there to be sufficient staff on duty to support people safely.

We were told by the registered manager they had experienced difficulties in guaranteeing sufficient staff were available to work, following the resignation of a high number of staff. Given there was a small team working in the service, this had a large impact. Work had been undertaken and was on-going to recruit suitable staff to work in the service. The registered manager took appropriate steps to ensure suitable people were employed to support people using the service. We observed suitable numbers of staff were present in the service during the inspection.

Staff were trained to administer medicines safely, we found records and practice were up to date and accurate. Risks to people’s safety had been assessed and care plans gave detailed guidance to staff on how to provide appropriate care to people.

Staff were supported to carry out their role to the required standard. Staff attended training, and received supervision and appraisals. Staff meetings were available for them to discuss the service, and issue or any improvements that were necessary.

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. The service was operating within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005(MCA).

People were supported to be involved in making day to day decisions about their care. Where people needed support with food and drinks this was provided. People’s health was monitored and where people needed extra support from medical professionals this was arranged.

We observed staff to be kind and caring towards people living in the home. They knew people’s needs well and were responsive and supportive. People were respected by staff and their privacy and dignity was maintained.

People were encouraged to participate in activities they enjoyed. These were reviewed to ensure they were still appropriate and enjoyable for the person.

Feedback was sought from people and their relatives. This assisted the registered manager to ensure where improvements could be made, they were. Quality assurance checks were carried out, and where improvements to the service were identified, these were completed.

There was an open and transparent culture in the service, they were clear that the challenges faced by staff shortages would be rectified as soon as possible. The registered manager made themselves accessible to people, staff and relatives to ensure contact with people was always available.