Chy-An-Towans is a small care home that can accommodate up to ten people with learning and /or physical disabilities. The service was comprised of the main house and two separate annexes. At the time of our inspection there were ten people living at the service. Eight people lived in the main house and one person in each of the two annexes.

We carried out this inspection on 15 February 2017. This was the first inspection for the service since registering as a new legal entity in September 2016. The service was last inspected, when the provider was registered as a different legal entity, in February 2014 and we had no concerns at that time.

There was a registered manager in post who was responsible for the day-to-day running of 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Some people who used the service were not able to tell us their views about the care and support they received. However, we observed people were relaxed and comfortable with the staff supporting them. Comments from people who were able to talk with us included, “I like it here” and “I am happy living here.” Relatives told us, “No concerns, [Person’s name] is very happy there” and “[Person’s name] is as happy as she can be.” A healthcare professional said, “People seem happy, content and speak positively about their home.”

On the day of our inspection there was a calm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the service. We observed people had a good relationship with staff and each other. There were plenty of friendly and respectful conversations between people and with staff. The staff team had developed kind and supportive relationships with people using the service. Comments from relatives included, “Staff do a really good job”, “They (Staff) are wonderful with [Person’s name]” and “The atmosphere is very nice, it’s like a family home.”

Support was provided by a consistent staff team, who knew people well and understood their needs. Staff understood people’s individual ways of communication and used this knowledge to support people to make choices about their daily living. People were supported to access the local community and take part in a range of activities of their choice. Each person had regular activities and outings they took part in every week as well as activities within the service. A healthcare professional commented, “People have a good therapeutic relationship with the care team and do not seem bored, unoccupied or isolated from any activity taking place.”

There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff on duty and staffing levels were adjusted depending on the activities people living at the service were doing. Staff completed a thorough recruitment process to ensure they had the appropriate skills and knowledge. Staff knew how to recognise and report the signs of abuse.

People were supported to maintain good health, have access to healthcare services and received on-going healthcare support. People had access to an annual health screening to maintain their health. Specialist services such as community nurses, occupational therapists and dieticians were used when required. Relatives told us the service always kept them informed of any changes to people’s health and when healthcare appointments had been made.

People were supported to eat and drink enough and maintain a balanced diet and were involved in meal planning. Menu planning was done in a way which combined healthy eating with the choices people made about their food. Relatives told us, “They give everyone a balanced diet” and “They make sure [Person’s name] eats well and stays at a healthy weight.”

Care records were up to date, had been regularly reviewed, and accuratel