The Next Step Trust- Respite provides a service for up to three people with learning disabilities. At the time of the inspection one person was going home after a short stay and another person was commencing a short stay. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided and both were looked at during this inspection. This was the first inspection.

The inspection took place on 23 and 25 July 2018 and was announced which meant the provider knew we would be visiting.

A registered manager was 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.

Staff were confident people were safe and if any concerns were reported to the management team, they would respond promptly and appropriately. The provider had systems in place to manage risk to people and the environment although we identified some potential hazards. Swift action was taken when we brought these to their attention. The registered manager revised their health and safety checklist to make sure similar issues would not arise in future.

Staffing arrangements were appropriate and ensured people received care from a consistent workforce. Medicines were usually well managed; the provider agreed to introduce additional guidance around assisting people with non-prescribed medicines and competency assessments for staff to make sure they understood how to administer medicines safely.

Staff told us they felt well supported and received good quality training. All staff had received an introduction to the service to ensure they understood what was expected when they supported people during their respite stay. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. People received appropriate support to make sure their nutritional and health needs were met during their stay. People stayed in a pleasant and spacious environment; equipment was in place to make sure they were comfortable and their needs were met.

People who used the service and relatives told us the service was caring. We observed people were treated with kindness and respect. Staff who worked at the respite service also worked at the provider’s day service, and people usually used both services. This meant staff knew people well. Staff told us they enjoyed working at the respite service and were confident people received high quality, person centred care. They understood what constituted good care, for example, promoting independence and ensuring people had privacy during personal care.

People received person centred care. There was guidance which ensured staff knew how to provide care that met people’s needs. People who used the service and relatives told us they would be comfortable raising concerns with the management team.

The service was well led. The registered manager was knowledgeable about the day to day running of the service as well as their overall legal responsibilities. They were supported by an effective management team. The provider had systems in place to monitor the quality of the service and people were encouraged to share their views to help drive improvement.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.