The Old Haybarn is a residential home providing accommodation, care and support for up to seven people with a learning disability. On the day of inspection there were seven people using the service.

We carried out an unannounced inspection of The Old Haybarn on 3 March 2017.

The Old Haybarn 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.

People were safe at the service. People were protected from the risk of harm as staff were trained in how to identify and respond to concerns of potential abuse. Staff understood their responsibility to report any concerns to the registered manager and knew how to whistle blow to help keep people safe. Staff assessed and managed risks to people's health and wellbeing.

People’s support needs were met, as there were enough numbers of staff on each shift. Appropriate recruitment procedures followed at the service ensured people received care from staff suitable for their role.

People received their medicines safely when needed from staff assessed as competent to do so. Medicines were managed appropriately and regular checks ensured any concerns were identified and resolved promptly. The premises were well maintained and safe for people to use.

Staff were effective in their role as they were trained, supervised and appraised on their performance. Staff were supported to undertake nationally recognised care qualifications and their training was reviewed and updated regularly.

People’s rights were upheld as required under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Best interest’s procedures were followed when people were unable to make decisions about their care. People's consent was sought and obtained by staff before they received care. Staff respected people’s choices and delivered care in line with their preferences.

People enjoyed the food provided at the service. Staff supported people to have enough to eat and drink. Staff monitored people’s well-being and involved health care professionals to ensure their needs were met.

People were cared for by kind and caring staff. Staff knew people well and understood their individual needs and how they wanted care and support provided. People’s dignity and privacy was respected.

Staff involved people in making decisions about their care. People’s needs were identified and plans were put in place on how to provide their care. Staff regularly reviewed and responded to people’s needs. People enjoyed taking part in a wide range of meaningful activities offered at the service. People’s views about their care were sought and their feedback used to improve the service.

People and staff spoke positively about the registered manager and the way the service was managed. There was an open and inclusive culture at the service. Staff felt valued at the service and their feedback was considered. The quality of the service was assessed and monitored to ensure improvements were made to the care people received.