The Old Red Lion 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 care home accommodates six younger adults across two separate buildings: the Main House and the Coach House with specially adapted facilities. There were five younger adults living in the care home on the day of our 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.

At our last inspection 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 on-going 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.

Systems and processes were in place to keep people safe from the risk of harm and abuse. People had their medicines administered safely by trained and competent staff. The service was clean and staff adhered to safe infection control practices.

Where people were unable to make decisions for themselves staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and adhered to national guidance.

Prior to admission people had their care needs assessed and their care was planned in line with up to date guidance and legislation. There were sufficient staff to care for a person's individual needs and staff were trained appropriately. People were provided with a balanced and nutritious diet and had timely access to a range of healthcare services.

People were cared for by kind, caring and compassionate staff and staff had a good understanding of individual needs. People and staff got on well together and the service had a family atmosphere. People were cared for as unique individuals and their privacy and dignity were respected.

Staff communicated with people in a way that helped the person understand what was being said to them. People had a structured programme of internal and external activities tailored to individual needs and skills.

Relatives spoke highly of the care they received and the attitude of staff. Staff enjoyed working at the service and were proud of their achievements. The provider had a robust approach to monitoring the quality of the care people receive. The registered manager had built a good relationship with key organisations and the local community.

Further information is in the detailed findings below

This inspection took place on 24 November 2016 and was unannounced.

The Old Red Lion is located in a pleasant village on the outskirts of the market town of Retford. It is registered to provide accommodation for a maximum of six younger adults living with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities and associated challenges. At the time of inspection five people were using the service.

At the time of our inspection, a new manager had recently started. They were making their application to become registered as the manager with CQC. 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 person referred to in this report as the manager is the person who has applied to CQC to become the registered manager for the service.

People who used the service and those supporting them knew who to report any concerns to if they felt they or others had been the victim of abuse. Risks in relation to people’s daily life were assessed and planned for to protect them from harm. There were enough staff with the right skills and experience to meet people’s needs. Medicines were stored, administered and handled safely so that people had their medicines as prescribed.

People were supported by staff who had the knowledge and skills to provide safe and appropriate care and support. Staff received supervision of their work. People were enabled to make decisions and staff knew how to act if people did not have the capacity to make decisions. People ate well and were supported to maintain a healthy diet. Staff monitored and responded to people’s health conditions, with people having access to their GP and other health care professionals as and when they required.

People were supported by staff who were caring and treated them with kindness, respect and dignity. Where people showed signs of distress or discomfort, staff responded to them quickly. People were supported to access an independent advocate if they wanted to. There were no restrictions on friends and relatives visiting their family members. People could have privacy when needed.

People and their relatives were involved with the planning of the care and support provided. Care plans were written in a way that focused on people’s choices and preferences. Regular monitoring of people’s assessed needs was conducted to ensure staff responded appropriately. People were able to access the activities and hobbies that interested them and enjoyed active lives in the community. A complaints procedure was in place and people felt comfortable in making a complaint.

There was a positive atmosphere within the home and people were encouraged to contribute to decisions to improve and develop the service. Robust auditing and quality monitoring processes were in place. The service continually strived to improve the quality of the service that people received.