We carried out a comprehensive inspection of Barnfield on the 26 June and 5 July 2018. The first day of inspection was unannounced; we arranged the second day of inspection before we visited.

Barnfield is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The care home accommodates up to 11 people in a main farmhouse and two adjoining buildings. The home provided accommodation for more than the six people recommended in Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. However, in many other respects the service demonstrated the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support ethos. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen. At Barnfield, people were encouraged to do activities of their choice in the home, the village and in the wider community. The registered manager supported them to do this by ensuring they could use both private and public transport and staff were available if they needed to be accompanied.

This was the first inspection of this service since the provider, United Response, had registered it with the CQC in June 2017. The home had previously been registered under another provider, Robert Owen Communities, who had merged with United Response. United Response is a UK wide registered charity that supports adults and young people with learning disabilities, including autism, sensory impairment, and people living with dementia, mental health needs and physical disabilities.

Staff demonstrated the provider's values, to deliver person-centred care that recognised, promoted and respected people as individuals. This approach helped people to fulfil their potential to lead a full and active life in society. The home offered each person a weekly programme of activities which they had helped to choose. Activities were offered both within the home and in the local community which helped support people to maintain and expand their interests. Activities included swimming, participating in art and craft sessions, playing a musical instrument, going to college, working, attending day services in a local town, socialising and attending church. People were supported to have life skills such as cooking, laundry and housework.

There was a positive, open and empowering culture shared by staff and people. Staff were dedicated to helping people realise their goals and ambitions.

People were placed at the centre of their care by staff who were knowledgeable, enthusiastic and positive about providing care which fulfilled people’s ambitions and needs. Staff were very caring, compassionate and passionate about supporting each person to achieve their dreams and ambitions. They recognised each person as an individual and worked with them to develop skills and interests. People were encouraged to do a wide range of activities. These activities helped people have fun and improve skills as well as meet physical, mental and social inclusion needs.

Throughout the inspection we observed numerous interactions where staff showed gentleness, compassion, kindness and respect to people.

The home was a key part of the local village community. It was located a short walk from the centre of the village and some people were able to walk to the village independently. People in the home enjoyed the benefits of village life, as they used the village hall for a weekly lunch and dance club, rang the local church bells and had friends in the village. The home also joined in events run by the village such as an annual scarecrow contest. In turn the local community were very supportive of the home, and villagers regularly attended events such as qu