We undertook this announced inspection on 3 and 4 May 2017. Ablegrange Supported Living was newly registered in October 2016 to provide personal care for people living in their own homes. At the time of our visit, the service provided care to five people with learning difficulties living in a supported living scheme.

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 informed us that they were satisfied with the care and services provided. They had been treated with respect and felt safe with care workers. There was a safeguarding adult's policy and suitable arrangements for safeguarding people. The arrangements for the recording, storage, administration and disposal of medicines were satisfactory. People’s care needs and potential risks to them were assessed and care workers were aware of these risks. Personal emergency and evacuation plans were prepared for people and these were seen in the care records. This ensured that care workers were aware of action to take to ensure the safety of people.

Infection control measures were in place. Care workers assisted people in ensuring that their bedrooms and communal areas were kept clean and tidy. The service kept a record of essential inspections and maintenance carried out. There were arrangements for fire safety which included alarm checks, staff fire training and risk assessments.

Care workers were carefully recruited and there were enough care workers deployed to meet people's needs. They had received essential training and were knowledgeable regarding the needs of people. Teamwork and communication within the home was good. There were arrangements for support and supervision of care workers.

People’s healthcare needs were monitored and arrangements had been made with healthcare professionals when required. The service had suitable arrangements for assisting people with their dietary needs.

There were arrangements for encouraging people to express their views and experiences regarding the care provided and management of the service. Care workers prepared appropriate and informative care plans which involved people and their representatives.

Regular meetings and one to one sessions had been held for people and the minutes were available for inspection. Care workers were able to meet the needs people. One person whose needs could not be met was awaiting transfer to appropriate accommodation.

The service assisted people in accessing suitable activities in the community. This ensured that they received social and mental stimulation. People knew who to complain to if they had concerns.

Care workers worked well together and they had confidence in the management of the service. They were aware of the values and aims of the service and this included treating people with respect and dignity and encouraging them to be as independent as possible. Audits and checks of the service had been carried out by the operations manager and the registered manager. We however, noted that these audits were not sufficiently comprehensive and have made a recommendation in respect of this.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.