About the service: Camphill – St Albans provides domiciliary support to people who live in privately rented houses and flats, which are situated within a mile radius of the registered office and St. Albans town centre. People receive care based on a 'supported living' model to help them live as independently as possible and to provide them with the support they need to help meet their individual health and social care requirements. Support is provided to a range of people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and other complex needs. At the time of our inspection there were 39 people who were receiving support.

People’s experience of using this service:

• There was a warm, welcoming and very friendly atmosphere throughout. The provider was very person-centred and staff had an extensive understanding of people's individual needs.

• Staff were extremely responsive towards people’s lives and care requirements.

• People and where appropriate, relatives told us they were fully consulted in the review of their care plans.

• The service was both enthusiastic and creative in supporting people to pursue their interests which created a sense of belonging and purpose. A range of day time activities, work experience and full-time employment was on offer to ensure a variety of opportunities which reflected people’s individual wishes and interests.

• The registered manager was passionate about providing person centred care and this was reflected in every aspect of the service. People were empowered to help run and improve the service through a variety of forums and consultation processes.

• Partnerships had been developed with the community and health and social care professionals.

• A range of regular checks had been completed to review the quality of the care and any areas where improvements were required. When identified improvements were implemented to continuously work in the interests of the people living at Camphill - St Albans.

• People’s safety had been considered and risks had been reduced by the introduction of equipment or guidance. Staff had received training in relation to safeguarding and knew how to protect people from harm.

• Medicine was managed safely. People were supported to follow a healthy eating plan and staff advised and supported people to live a healthy lifestyle.

• People enjoyed living as part of both the Camphill village community and also were very involved in taking an active part in the wider community of St Albans and surrounding areas.

• There were sufficient staff to meet their needs and staff were recruited in accordance with best practice.

• People are supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice. Health care had a focus to ensure people’s ongoing wellbeing.

• Information was provided in a range of formats to support understanding. People were able to access spiritual support to meet their religious beliefs.

• There was a registered manager of the service and the rating was displayed within the main office/reception area as well as on their website. When required notifications had been completed to inform us of events and incidents, this helped us the monitor the action the provider had taken.

Rating at last inspection: Good (Published December 2016)

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection. At this inspection we found the service continued to be Good, and in one area improved to Outstanding.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.