This was the first comprehensive inspection of this service since the provider initially registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on 26 June 2017. This inspection took place on 19 June 2018.

Uplands is registered to provide accommodation and support for up to five people with learning disabilities and or a mental health condition. At the time of our inspection three people were living at the service. The care service had 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.

The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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 felt safe using the service. Staff and the management team demonstrated a good understanding of the different types of abuse that could occur and their role in protecting people from abuse. There were enough staff available to meet people’s needs safely. Pre-employment checks were completed as part of the recruitment process.

People and their relatives told us that the care and support provided was appropriate to meet people's needs. Staff received training to help them to provide people’s care and support. Staff sought people's consent to care. People were supported to access various healthcare professionals when required.

People and their relatives told us that the staff were very good and supported people in all aspects of their lives. This helped to develop people’s confidence and improve people’s experiences. People were involved in making decisions about their own care, and felt their views were listened to, and respected. People felt that they were treated with dignity and respect.

People told us they had been involved in developing their care plans and felt that their opinions were valued and taken into account. People told us they felt the registered manager took them seriously and if they needed to change anything about their care they spoke to their keyworker or the registered manager.

The provider had policies and procedures in place to help ensure that any concerns and complaints raised by people who used the service or their relatives were appropriately investigated and resolved.

People and their relatives felt that the registered manager was always approachable with any problems. The registered manager demonstrated a good knowledge of the people who used the service and the staff they employed. The registered manager was in the process of completing an annual survey as part of the provider’s quality assurance system. Other quality assurance measures were in place which included completion of audits. These were being introduced as the service developed.