We inspected Cherry Care Services Ltd on 1 February 2017. Cherry Care Services are a domiciliary care agency based in Witney. They provide support and personal care to people living in their own homes. At the time of this inspection 24 people were supported by the service.

There was a registered manager in post at the service. 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.

Staff understood how to protect people from potential abuse and they were aware of the whistle blowing policy. The risks to people's well-being and safety were assessed and managed appropriately. Where required, management plans were in place to manage and mitigate the risks. People received their medicines as prescribed.

The provider had implemented satisfactory systems to recruit and train care workers and ensured that relevant checks and references were carried out. Staff were well supported and skilled to carry out their roles effectively. The provider ensured staff attended additional training to care for people that were affected by a specific health condition such as compromised swallowing or diabetes. The number of staff employed by Cherry Care Services was sufficient to meet the needs of the people they supported.

Staff understood the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and applied its principles in their work. The MCA protects the rights of people who may not be able to make particular decisions themselves. The registered manager ensured the rights of people in relation to making their own decisions were respected. People were supported to access healthcare when needed and we received excellent feedback from external professionals involved with people who were supported by Cherry Care. People were supported to meet their nutritional needs if required.

Staff knew people well and understood their individual needs. Staff ensured they supported people in a way that met their needs. People benefitted from staff that were enthusiastic about their roles and committed to their job. People were supported by staff that respected their privacy and dignity and promoted their independence. People were involved in making decisions about the support their received. People’s care plans were detailed and regularly reviewed.

People knew how to raise concerns and complaints and told us the registered manager ensured any concerns were dealt with promptly before escalating to a complaint. People and staff said the registered manager was approachable and supportive. The registered manager and the team promoted an open, positive and transparent culture. The provider had systems in place to monitor the safety and quality of the service.