This unannounced inspection took place on 08 February 2017. This was the first inspection of this home which was registered with the Care Quality Commission in April 2016.

Diagrama Health care Service provides accommodation and personal care and support for up to seven adults who have a range of needs including learning disabilities. At the time of our inspection there were four people living at the home. It is one of three homes in the same road owned by the provider that share some aspects of care, support and organisation.

There was 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. The registered manager was registered to manage the three homes for the provider.

People were not always able to communicate their views to us at the home so we also observed aspects of the care and support provided. People and their relatives told us they felt safe from harm and well cared for by the service. Staff had received training on safeguarding adults, so they knew the signs of possible abuse. There were suitable arrangements to deal with a range of emergencies if needed. Possible risks to people were identified and guidance was in place to reduce risk. People received their medicines when they should and staff had received training on the safe administration of medicines.

People and their relatives said staff were caring and kind, and, we observed this to be the case. People were treated with respect and dignity and were involved in decisions about their care. People were asked for their consent before care was provided and staff were aware of their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act (2005). There were enough staff to meet people’s needs and the provider followed safe recruitment policies. Staff received suitable training and support to carry out their roles.

People’s dietary needs were met and their independence was encouraged where this was appropriate and where they needed support this was provided. The service worked with health professionals, when necessary; to ensure people’s changing health needs were addressed.

People had an assessed and written plan of care which reflected their needs and a pictorial support plan to enable them to understand the plan for their care more effectively. People were provided with a range of suitable activities to encourage social inclusion and develop life skills.

There were systems to monitor the quality of the service and identify any area for action. Staff felt well supported in their roles. People, their relatives and professionals were asked for their views and the home considered any improvements that could be made.