This inspection took place on 3 and 4 May 2017 and the first day was unannounced.

The service specialises in providing nursing and personal care for up to 34 people who have a learning disability or autism or other associated and complex needs. There were 34 people living in the service on the day of our inspection. The service provides care and support for older people, with a range of medical and age related conditions, including mobility issues and dementia.

At the time of our inspection there was 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 felt safe at the service; their care needs and any risks to their safety were assessed and reviewed. Enough staff were available to meet people’s needs in a timely manner. Staff and the registered manager were able to explain to us how they maintained people’s safety and protected their rights. Staff had been provided with training such as the Mental Capacity Act (2005), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and safeguarding.

The provider had procedures in place which were followed to safely recruit staff. The provider employed new staff once appropriate checks had been completed. New staff participated in an induction program which included a period of shadowing an experienced staff member and completing the Care Certificate.

Registered nurses followed the correct procedures relating to medicines management; systems were in place to ensure medicines were safely stored, administered and disposed of.

People's healthcare and nutritional needs were met; when needed specialist healthcare professionals were involved to ensure people’s needs were met. People received care from staff who had participated in training and acquired skills they needed to meet people's individual needs. People’s individual needs were met by the adaptation, design and décor of the service. Individuals’ choices and preferences were respected and positive outcomes for people were encouraged.

People's dignity and privacy was maintained; staff demonstrated they knew the people well and were aware of the importance of treating them with dignity and respect. Staff were kind, caring and compassionate. People were involved and encouraged to make choices about their day-to-day care. People’s right to a family and private life was encouraged and respected.

Activities were varied and offered to suit people’s needs, choice and preferences. People’s care plans reflected their individual needs and how these were to be met by staff. People and their relatives felt involved with their care. There was a complaints procedure in place and people and relatives were confident any concerns would be listened to and action would be taken.

The service was led by a registered manager who was supportive and approachable; they recognised the importance of being open and transparent along with learning from when things went wrong. There were systems and processes in place to check on the quality and safety of the service; audits of the service were taking place to monitor and review the service. Staff and the registered manager demonstrated a clear passion and commitment to providing a good and effective service to people living at Whitwell Park.