This comprehensive unannounced inspection was carried out on 1 August 2018. This was our first inspection of the service since it was registered with the Care Quality Commission in May 2017.

The Hollies is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The Hollies is registered to support up to ten people who have a learning disability, an autistic spectrum disorder and /or a physical disability. There were ten people living in the service on the day of our inspection, of which one person was in hospital.

The care service embraced the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

The service required, and did have, 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The service was safe. Individual risks to people had been identified, managed and reviewed to ensure their safety. There were adequate numbers of staff to meet people’s individual care and support needs. Effective recruitment procedures were in place to protect people from the risk of avoidable harm. Staff understood their responsibilities in relation to keeping people safe from harm and abuse. Systems were in place for the safe management of medicines. People were protected from the risk of infection.

People received an effective service. Staff were trained and supported to fulfil their role and responsibilities. Although people were supported to have choice and control over their lives and there were systems and policies in place to support this, we have recommended that the registered provider reviews legislation and associated guidance to ensure they are acting in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. People were supported to maintain their health and well-being and were supported to access health and social care services. People’s dietary needs were met by staff.

The service was caring. People were treated with kindness, compassion, dignity and respect by a consistent staff team. Staff and management knew people well and were sensitive to their individual care and support needs and were committed and passionate about supporting and enabling people to live fulfilled and meaningful lives. People’s independence was promoted and, where possible, they were encouraged to do as much as they can for themselves.

The service was responsive to people’s needs. There was a strong emphasis on person centred care. Care plans contained information and guidance to enable staff to support people in line with their preferences. Care plans were regularly reviewed to ensure they reflected people’s current needs. People were supported to pursue their interests and hobbies, both within the home and in the community.

The service was well led. The registered manager and staff were committed to providing good quality care. There were systems and processes in place to monitor the quality of the service and drive improvements. People, relatives and staff were encouraged to share their views on the service provided.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.