This inspection took place on 4, 5 and 6 September 2018 and was announced. It was the first inspection since the provider registered on 1 December 2017.

Zinnia Care Northampton is a domiciliary care agency providing personal care, to adults in their own homes in the community. It is registered to provide a service to younger adults, older people, people with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder, people with mental health needs, people with an eating disorder, people with a sensory impairment and people with dementia.

Not everyone using Zinnia Care Northampton receives a regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with 'personal care'; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection it was confirmed that 32 of the 33 people using the service received 'personal care’.

A registered manager was 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 protected from the risk of harm. Staff had been trained in safeguarding people and understood how to report any concerns of abuse. Risks to people's safety were fully assessed to ensure they were effectively managed

The provider had systems in place to assess and identify the support people required before receiving care. People received care from staff that had the skills and knowledge to meet their needs. People confirmed that staff respected people's individuality and enabled them to express their wishes and make choices for themselves.

The management team and staff understood the importance of working in accordance with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, 2005 (MCA) and people's consent was gained before staff provided people with their care.

People were treated with kindness, compassion, dignity and respect. Their rights to privacy and freedom of choice were fully upheld. The provider was committed to ensuring they had the right staff with the right approach and understanding to meet people's individual needs.

People’s assessments and care plans considered people's values, beliefs, hobbies and interests along with their goals for the future. Care plans were reviewed regularly. The management team had a clear vision to deliver high-quality care and support. They strived towards promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empowering, whilst achieving good outcomes for people.