We carried out this unannounced inspection on 20 and 21 September 2017.

The Hollies is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for two people who have a have learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder. At the time of our inspection visit there were two people living in the home.

At our previous inspection we found this service to be Good. At this inspection we also found the overall quality rating for the service was Good.

People and their relatives told us that they felt safe and well cared for. Staff knew how to keep people safe from the risk of abuse. Accidents and incidents were recorded and investigated. Medicines were safely managed and there were enough care staff on duty. Background checks had been completed before new care staff had been appointed. Staff were kind and sensitive to people.

Staff had received training and support and they knew how to care for people in the right way. Staff were provided with training on a variety of subjects to ensure that they had the skills to meet people’s needs. The provider had a training plan in place and staff had received regular supervision. Staff knew how to communicate with people who did not use verbal communication.

People enjoyed their meals and were involved in planning what they wanted to eat. People had access to drinks and snacks during the day. Where people had special dietary requirements we saw that these were provided for. People had access to healthcare and were supported to access these.

People were supported to make choices and be involved in decisions about their lives. Care staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The provider acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). People who lack mental capacity to consent to arrangements for necessary care or treatment can only be deprived of their liberty when this is in their best interests and legally authorised under the MCA. The procedures for this in care homes and hospitals are called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

People were treated with compassion and respect. Care staff recognised people’s right to privacy and promoted their dignity. There were arrangements to help people access independent lay advocates if necessary and confidential information was kept private.

People were supported to pursue their hobbies and interests. They were supported to maintain relationships that were important to them. There were arrangements in place for dealing with complaints. People were supported to make complaints.

People had been consulted about the development of their home and quality checks had been completed. Good team work was promoted and care staff were supported to speak out if they had any concerns.

The provider had informed us of notifications. Notifications are events which have happened in the service that the provider is required to tell us about.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The inspection took place on 22 October 2014 and was announced. This was because the people who lived at the service regularly participated in external activities and we wanted to meet with them during our inspection.

The inspection team was made up of one inspector.

The service was purpose built and opened in March 2014 to provide care for two people living with a learning disability.

There was a registered manager in post at the time of our inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The CQC is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and to report on what we find. There were policies and procedures in relation to the MCA and DoLS to ensure that people who could not always make decisions for themselves were protected. Staff understood and followed the principles of MCA and DoLS. Both people living at the service had their freedom lawfully restricted under a DoLS authorisation.

People were safe because staff protected them from the risk of avoidable harm

Arrangements were in place to assess people prior to admission. Staff worked closely with them and introduced them gradually to their new environment.

Staff received regular feedback from the registered manager and deputy manager and were asked for their opinions on how to make improvements to further develop the service.

People were supported to make choices about all aspects of their daily life to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

People had access to a range of health and social care professionals who were able to care for and advise on their emotional, physical and psychological well-being.

People were treated with dignity and respect by caring and competent staff.