This inspection took place on 25, 27, 30 July and 3 August 2018. The provider was given 48 hours' notice because the location provides a supported living service for adults who are often out during the day, so we needed to be sure that someone would be in.

This service provides care and support to people living in a number of ‘supported living’ settings, so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.

People who use the service have learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and/or physical disabilities. People who use the service are supported with personal care, medicines, cooking, shopping, activities and other day to day tasks. At the time of our inspection 64 people were using the service. The service provides support to people living in County Durham, Sunderland, Hartlepool, Northallerton and the surrounding areas.

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.

This was the first inspection of this service. The service registered with the Care Quality Commission in April 2017 following a merger of the provider’s two registered offices in Ryhope and Hartlepool. During this inspection we found the service was meeting legal requirements and we have awarded an overall rating of ‘Good.’

The service had a registered manager. 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 said they felt safe. Staff told us they were confident any concerns they raised would be listened to and investigated thoroughly to ensure people were protected. Staff had completed up to date training on safeguarding adults, and could describe different types of abuse and signs to look out for.

A thorough recruitment and selection process was in place which ensured staff had the right skills and experience to support people who used the service. Identity and background checks had been completed which included references from previous employers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Medicines were managed safely. People received their prescribed medicines when they needed them.

Contingency arrangements were in place in case of accidents or staff emergencies and on-call management arrangements were in place.

Risks to people's health and safety were assessed and managed. Staff supported people to do the things they enjoyed and encouraged independence with daily living.

Staff training in key areas was up to date. Staff told us they felt confident to care for the people who used the service.

People were supported to maintain a balanced diet and to have enough to eat and drink. People were supported to maintain their physical and mental health 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. Staff understood the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how to apply this to people in their care. Staff understood the need to support people to make their own decisions and the role of best-interests decision making.

Support plans contained clear information about the person's level of independence as well as details of areas where staff assistance was required. Support plans detailed people's needs and