This was an unannounced inspection carried out on 22 June 2017.

This was the first inspection of Cambian Dilston College-Scott Close.

Cambian Whinfell School Limited is an independent organisation that provides residential care for young adults from 18 to 65 years with autism, severe learning difficulties, challenging behaviour and complex needs. Cambian Dilston College – Scott Close is part of the Cambian Group. They provide, within this location, accommodation and personal care for three individuals aged from 18years to 25 years. Nursing care is not provided.

People who live at the service are students at the college run by the organisation. They live in the service during term time and return home in the college holidays.

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.

People were protected as staff had received training about safeguarding and knew how to respond to any allegation of abuse. There were other opportunities for staff to receive training to meet people’s care needs. A system was in place for staff to receive supervision and appraisal and there were robust recruitment processes being used when staff were employed.

Staff were aware of the whistle blowing procedure which was in place to report concerns and poor practice. There were enough staff available to provide individual care to people. Staff had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and best interest decision making approaches, when people were unable to make decisions themselves.

People were involved in decisions about their care. They were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible, the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Information was made available in a format that helped people to understand if they did not read. This included a complaints procedure. People we spoke with said they knew how to complain.

Staff knew the people they were supporting well. Care plans were in place detailing how people wished to be supported and people were involved in making decisions about their care. Staff had developed good relationships with people, were caring in their approach and treated people with respect. Care was provided with patience and kindness. People were positive about the care provided.

People had food and drink to meet their needs. Menus were varied and staff were aware of people’s likes and dislikes. People were assisted by staff to plan their menu, shop for the ingredients and cook their own food.

People were appropriately supported in maintaining their health and they received their medicines in a safe way. They were provided with opportunities to follow their interests and hobbies and they were introduced to new activities. They were supported to contribute and to be part of the local community.

A range of systems were in place to monitor and review the quality and effectiveness of the service. People had the opportunity to give their views about the service. There was regular consultation with people or family members and their views were used to improve the service.