The inspection took place on 19 April 2017 and was unannounced.

56 Stone Lane is registered to provide accommodation and care for up to three people with a learning disability and/or complex needs. The home is a detached, chalet bungalow and is situated in a residential area, with good transport links to Worthing town centre. Communal areas include a kitchen, dining room with adjacent conservatory, sitting room and quiet room. All rooms are of single occupancy and have en-suite facilities. People have access to a large rear garden and patio area.

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 lived safely at 56 Stone Lane. Staff had been trained to recognise the signs of potential abuse and knew what action to take if they had any concerns relating to people’s welfare. People’s risks were identified, assessed and managed safely. Risk assessments provided clear guidance to staff on how to support people. Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s needs, when they were at home or out in the community. Safe recruitment practices were in place. Medicines were managed safely.

Staff had completed training in a range of areas considered essential to enable them to carry out their job effectively. New staff studied for the Care Certificate, a universally recognised qualification. Staff were encouraged to study for qualifications, including diplomas in health and social care. Staff had also been trained in communication techniques, including Makaton and Picture Exchange Communication System, to enable them to communicate with people who had little or no verbal communication. Staff received supervision every two months and staff meetings were organised. Consent to care and treatment was sought in line with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated legislation. Staff had been trained in this area and understood their responsibilities. People had sufficient to eat and drink and had ready access to a range of healthcare professionals and services.

People were supported by kind and caring staff who knew them well. People were treated as equals and they were encouraged to be involved in all aspects of their care. They were treated with dignity and respect.

Care plans provided detailed advice and guidance to staff on people’s care and support needs. Short and long-term goals were in place for people to strive for and staff supported them in achieving their goals. Activities were structured in a way that reflected people’s choices. A complaints policy was in place. No complaints had been recorded since the service opened in 2016.

The service was well led and staff felt supported by management. People were involved in developing the service and their views were sought through residents’ meetings and questionnaires. A range of systems was in place to measure and monitor the quality of care delivered and the service overall.