This was an unannounced inspection carried out over three days on 18 May, 22 May and 8 June 2017.

This was the first inspection of the service since it was registered with the Care Quality Commission in 2015.

Burnfoot Court is registered to provide personal care to adults with learning disabilities. People are supported by staff to live independently in their own homes. The agency provides 24 hour personal care and support to some people with complex support needs. Different levels of support are provided dependent upon people's requirements. People are tenants of their home and pay rent for their accommodation which is leased from a housing association.

A registered manager was in place 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.

Some people were unable to tell us about the service because of their complex needs. Other people could tell us they felt safe. Systems were in place to protect people and keep them safe. Robust vetting procedures were carried out when new staff were recruited. Staff had received training and had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Best Interest Decision Making, when people were unable to make decisions for themselves. There were other opportunities for staff to receive training to meet people's care needs.

People appeared content and relaxed with the staff who supported them. Staff knew the people they were supporting well and there were enough staff on duty to provide individual care to people. Care was provided with patience and kindness and people's privacy and dignity were respected. People were supported to become more independent, whatever their level of need. Care plans detailed how people wished to be supported and people were involved in making decisions about their care. Records gave detailed instructions to staff to help people learn new skills and become more independent.

People’s health needs were identified and staff worked with other professionals to ensure these were addressed. Arrangements for managing people’s medicines were safe. Appropriate processes were in place for the administration of medicines. Medicines records were accurate.

People were assisted by staff to plan their menu, shop for the ingredients and cook their own food. Other people received meals that had been cooked by staff. People were supported to be part of the local community. They were provided with a range of opportunities to follow their interests and hobbies and were encouraged to try new activities.

Staff told us the registered manager and management team were supportive and approachable. Communication was effective, ensuring people, their relatives and other relevant agencies were kept up to date about any changes in people's care and support needs and the running of the service.

A complaints procedure was available and relatives we spoke with said they knew how to complain if they needed to. People had the opportunity to give their views about the service. There was consultation with people and family members and their views were used to improve the service. The provider undertook a range of audits to check on the quality of care provided.