This inspection took place on 29 March and 4 and 6 April 2018 and was announced. This was the first inspection of the service.

This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. It provides a service to younger adults and children. The service was supporting 5 people in their own accommodation at the time of our inspection.

Not everyone using The Cygnet receives the regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided.

The Cygnet had a registered manager in post. 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.

We heard positive comments about the service for example, “I have no concerns and would recommend them as a service provider” and “I can’t fault them, very good service.”

People were enabled to live safely and they were protected from potential abuse. Risks to their safety were identified, assessed and appropriate action taken. People's medicines were safely managed.

People were treated with respect and kindness. Their privacy and dignity was upheld and they were supported to maintain their independence.

People were supported by staff who had training and support to maintain their skills and knowledge in order to meet people’s needs. 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 support this practice.

People received personalised care from staff who knew their needs and preferences. People were involved in the planning and review of their care and support. There were arrangements in place to respond to concerns or complaints from people using the service and their representatives.

Quality assurance systems were in operation with the aim of improving the service in response to people's needs. Surveys had been completed to gain the views of people about the service provided.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.