The inspection took place on 4 October 2017 and was unannounced. This is the first inspection of Abney Court.

Abney Court is registered to provide residential and nursing care for up to 80 older people. At the time of the inspection 58 people were using the service. The provider was not providing nursing care but was recruiting relevant staff in preparation for providing this service in the near future. The service had a registered manager. 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 living at Abney Court. The service had systems in place to keep people safe through appropriate risk assessment and management. Medicines were managed effectively which ensured people received them as prescribed. People lived in a very clean, pleasant, well maintained and spacious environment. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs and the same workers provided support so people received consistent care.

Staff received appropriate training and support so they understood how to do their job well. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems supported this practice. People had pleasant dining experiences. They enjoyed the food and received choice and varied meals. People's care files showed the service involved other professionals when appropriate.

People were complimentary about the staff who supported them and they told us they were well cared for. We observed staff were attentive and respected people's privacy and dignity. Staff told us they would recommend the service to their own relatives and felt the whole staff team were very caring.

People’s needs were assessed and managed through the support planning process. There was guidance around how people’s care needs should be met. People enjoyed the range of activities provided in the service and the local community. A system was in place to record and respond to complaints; this was being developed to ensure lessons were learned.

People who used the service, their relatives and staff told us the service was well led. The management team encouraged everyone to share their views through meetings and surveys. The provider had effective systems in place to monitor different areas of the service.