Aldingbourne Cottage is a 10 bedded care home without nursing providing 24 hour care for people with a learning disability, autisum and/or physical disability. It is situated in the village of Westgate, Chichester. At the time of our inspection there were nine people living at the home.

The service had two registered manager’s in post However the person who supported us during this inspection was responsible for the day to day management of the home and therefore we have referred this person as 'the registered manager throughout this report. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People felt safe with the home’s staff. Relatives had no concerns about the safety of people. There were policies and procedures regarding the safeguarding of adults and staff knew what action to take if they thought anyone was at risk of potential harm. Risks to people’s safety had been assessed and care records contained risk assessments to manage identified risks.

People were supported to take their medicines as directed by their GP. Records showed that there were appropriate arrangements for obtaining, storing and disposing of medicines.

Thorough recruitment processes were in place for newly appointed staff to check they were suitable to work with people. Staffing numbers were maintained at a level to meet people’s needs safely and our observations also confirmed this.

Food at the home was good. There was a four week rolling menu displayed in the kitchen. People had regular meetings where they had an opportunity to discuss and plan menus. Staff provided support to people to help ensure meals were balanced and encouraged healthy choices

Staff were aware of people’s health needs and knew how to respond if they observed a change in their well-being. Staff were kept up to date about people in their care by attending regular handover meetings at the beginning of each shift. The home was well supported by a range of health professionals.

The CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. The registered manager understood when an application should be made and how to submit one. The provider had suitable arrangements in place to establish, and act in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). Staff had an understanding of the MCA.

Each person had a care plan which informed staff of the support people needed. Staff received training to help them meet people’s needs. Staff received an induction and there was regular supervision including monitoring of staff performance. Staff were supported to develop their skills by means of additional training such as the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) or care diplomas. These are work based awards that are achieved through assessment and training. To achieve these awards candidates must prove that they have the ability to carry out their job to the required standard. All staff completed an induction before working unsupervised. People said they were well supported and relatives said staff were knowledgeable about their family member’s care needs.

People’s privacy and dignity was respected. Staff had a caring attitude towards people. We observed staff smiling and laughing with people and offering support as required. Staff knew people well and positive, caring relationships had been developed. People were encouraged to express their views and these were communicated to staff in a variety of ways – verbally, through physical gestures or body language. People were involved in decisions about their care as much as they were able. Their privacy and dignity were respected and promoted. Staff understood