Aran homes limited is registered to provide domiciliary care and support to people with long term mental health conditions at two houses based in Westcliffe on Sea and Haringey. There were 19 people using the service at the time of our inspection. However, the registered manager told us that only two people were in need of support with personal care. Only the provision of personal care is regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

This was the first inspection of the service that was registered in April 2017.

The service had 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.

There was good overall feedback about the service, from people using it and their relatives. We found people were treated with kindness and compassion, and that they were given emotional support when needed. The service ensured people's privacy and dignity was respected and promoted.

People’s needs were identified and responded to well. The service was effective at working in co-operation with other organisations to deliver good care and support. This included where people’s needs had changed, and where people needed ongoing healthcare support.

The support staff demonstrated a good knowledge of people’s care needs, significant people and events in their lives, and their daily routines and preferences. They also understood the provider’s safeguarding procedures and could explain how they would protect people if they had any concerns.

Person centred care was fundamental to the service and staff made sure people were at the centre of their practice. Care plans focused on the whole person, and assessments and plans were regularly updated

Staff told us they really enjoyed working in the service and spoke positively about the culture and management of the service. Staff described management as supportive. Staff confirmed they were able to raise issues and make suggestions about the way the service was provided.

Medicines were managed safely. The provider had systems in place for the recording and storing of medicines and regular weekly audits were taking place. Medicines training had taken place for all staff.

People were supported to have choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. People’s views on the service were regularly sought and acted on

Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s needs. Recruitment practices were safe and relevant checks had been completed before staff worked at the service.

People participated in a range of social activities and were supported to access the local community.

The registered manager and staff ensured everyone was supported to maintain good health.

Staff were well supported with training and supervision which helped them to ensure they provided effective care for people.

People and those important to them, such as their relatives or professionals were asked for feedback about the quality of the service.

The registered manager and staff knew what they should do if anyone made a complaint.

The service was well led. There was a clear set of values in place which all of the staff put into practice. The management team had developed robust quality assurance checks, to make sure standards of care were maintained. There was an open culture and staff said they felt well motivated and valued by all of the managers.