The Laurels is a residential care home for seven people. At the time of the inspection on 31 July 2018, there were seven people with learning disabilities living at the service.

At our last inspection in October 2015, we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with 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.

Staff focused on the care needs of each individual and knew people's individual communication skills, abilities and preferences. We observed that the staff approach was caring and kind. They talked to people with dignity and respect and supported people to make decisions about their and day to day 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 supported this practice.

People had detailed care plans which reflected their abilities and support requirements. People's risks had been assessed and were regularly monitored. Referrals to health care professionals had been made appropriately when additional support was needed. Medicines were managed and administered safely. People were provided with opportunities to maintain their interests and hobbies and live an enriched life. People’s nutritional needs were met. The involvement of people’s relatives was encouraged and valued.

There were sufficient numbers of skilled and trained staff to meet people's health and welfare needs. Staff felt supported by the registered manager. Staff were recruited safely and trained to provide good quality care and support.

Quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the quality of service being delivered and the running of the home.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The Laurels is a care home providing care and support for up to 7 people with a learning disability. At the time of our visit there were 7 people living at The Laurels.

The inspection was unannounced and took place on the 29 October 2015.

The home 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 requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about the service is run.

The people using the service were unable to communicate their views to us verbally or otherwise. Therefore we spoke with people’s relatives and other professionals involved in their care.

Relatives told us they felt people were safe living at the service and said they had ‘no concerns’ regarding their relatives safety and welfare. Professionals involved in people’s care said the service was a safe environment for people. There were systems in place to reduce the risks to people and protect them from avoidable harm. Medicines were managed, stored and administered safely.

The service had in place robust recruitment procedures which ensured that staff had the appropriate skills, background and qualifications for the role. There were enough suitably trained and supported staff available to assist people during our inspection. There were effective systems in place to ensure that medicines were stored, managed and administered safely. People received appropriate support to take their medicines.

Staff told us they felt supported by the management of the service and that the training they received provided them with a good understanding of topics such as the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Relatives spoke highly of the staff and told us they would ‘feel comfortable’ raising concerns or issues with them.

The service was complying with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and the DoLS. Appropriate DoLS applications had been made where required and assessments of people’s capacity were completed appropriately. People were supported to make decisions independently where possible and were encouraged to develop independent living skills.

People were encouraged and supported to take part in activities they enjoyed at the service and to access the community with staff.

People’s relatives spoke positively about the care and support people received from the service. Relatives and health professionals told us they had input into the planning of people’s care and support. Staff demonstrated that they knew the people using the service well and that they had a good understanding of their needs.

There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service and to identify shortfalls or areas for improvement. There was an open culture at the service. People, relatives, health professionals and staff were given the opportunity to express their views and these were acted on by the service. There was a complaints procedure in place and relatives and other professionals told us they were aware of how to make complaints.

Care and support was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare.We spoke with two people who used the service. Both were happy with the care and support that they received and talked with enthusiasm about the activities they were supported to pursue. People's bedrooms were decorated and furnished to reflect their interests and the attractive shared areas included a multisensory 'Snoezelen room' that helped people relax.

The provider worked effectively in co-operation with others to ensure people’s health, safety and welfare. Effective liaison with other organisations meant that trips went smoothly and provided enjoyable experiences for people who used the service.

People were cared for, and supported by, suitably skilled and experienced staff. A consistent approach to recruitment and to checking applicants’ details and fitness to work helped ensure that staff were suitable to work with vulnerable people.

Concerns and complaints were noted and responded to appropriately.

Relatives told us how happy they were with the care provided to their family members. They could tell people living there were content by their behaviour and body language. Staff were praised for their knowledge of people's needs and preferences. Staff were described as very approachable and welcoming, and always putting the needs of the people living in the home first. One parent said, “The staff give 110%.” Another told us, “This is a homely home. When we bring (their relative) home, they say ‘Oh I’m home’ and their face lights up.”

We observed that the staff interacted with people in a friendly, respectful and professional manner and were attentive to people’s needs. We saw that staff sought people’s agreement before providing any support or assistance.

We saw that appropriate measures were taken to ensure that the people living in the service, their visitors and the staff were protected against the spread of health care associated infections.

We found that the service ensured staff were competent to support people through training and supervision.

Records of all aspects of people’s needs were complete, up to date, and regularly reviewed.

Relatives told us how happy they were with the care provided to their family members.They could tell people living there were content by their behaviour and body language. Staff were praised for their knowledge of people's needs and preferences. Staff were described as very approachable, and always putting the needs of the people living in the home first.