This unannounced inspection took place on 26 July 2017. This was our first visit to the service since it changed ownership in 2016.

43 Florence Avenue provides accommodation and personal support for up to eight adults. The property includes a self-contained bungalow which can accommodate one person. There are seven other single rooms within the main house. There were seven people using the service at the time of our inspection.

There was a registered manager in post who had stayed on following the change of ownership from the previous provider. 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.

There were enough staff to meet people’s needs and a consistent team of staff provided continuity of care to the people living at 43 Florence Avenue. Individual care and support needs were assessed, documented and reviewed at regular intervals.

Staff had received training around safeguarding vulnerable people and knew what action to take if they had or received a concern. They were confident that any concerns raised would be taken seriously by the managers and acted upon.

The service understood and complied with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Staff understood the importance of gaining people’s consent before assisting them.

There was a system in place for dealing with people’s concerns and complaints. The registered manager understood their role and responsibilities and staff felt able to approach them with any issues or concerns.

There were systems in place to help ensure the safety and quality of the service provided. Staff spoke positively about the new provider and the improvements that had taken place since the change of ownership.