Autism Care Wiltshire Limited is a specialist provider of residential care for adults who have autism, learning disabilities and other associated health needs. They are a small provider with two services providing specialist care and support. Ciderstone House provides accommodation and personal care for up to six people. At the time of our inspection there were five people living in the home. The home has five large double bedrooms, some with ensuite bathrooms and a separate self-contained flat where one person lives. The home is situated close to local amenities which people are supported to access as part of their daily activities.

The ethos of Autism Care Wiltshire Limited is to recognise people as individuals and to put together bespoke packages of care to ensure that each person has their needs met. This included learning about the way each person communicates, routines they follow that were important to them and looking at creative ways to support people to live their lives safely. Where required they worked in partnership with other health and social care professionals to provide additional guidance and advice to the staff team. This included psychologists, occupational therapists and specialist nurses.

This inspection took place on 9 May 2017 and was announced. The provider was given short notice because people living in the home can become unsettled by the presence of an unannounced visitor. This gave the provider an opportunity to plan our visit with the people using the service. The inspection was carried out by one inspector. The service registered in December 2015 and had not been previously inspected.

A registered manager was employed by the service who was present throughout the inspection. 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 supported by kind and caring staff. We observed staff developed extremely positive caring and compassionate relationships with people. People were treated with dignity and respect and were encouraged to maintain their independence and make choices. Staff knew each person as an individual and were patient and caring in their approach when offering support. Throughout the day we observed staff supporting people in a kind and respectful manner, offering reassurance to people where required. Relatives spoke extremely highly of the care and support their family member received.

People received a personalised service which was responsive to their individual needs. Care plans contained extensive essential information on people’s preferences and life experiences to help ensure people received person centred care in their preferred way.

There were safe administration systems in place and people received their medicines when required. Medicines were stored securely and disposed of safely. People’s care records showed relevant health professionals were involved with people’s care. People’s changing needs were monitored to make sure their health needs were responded to promptly.

Staff were aware of people’s dietary requirements. Where required people had access to specialist diets and guidance was in place to ensure staff met these needs accordingly.

People were protected from the risk of harm and abuse. Staff had received safeguarding vulnerable adults training and were aware of their responsibility to report any concerns. Policies and procedures were in place to advise staff on what they should do if they had concerns. Risks were assessed and reviewed regularly and control measures were put in place to minimise the risks to people. There were effective pre-employment checks for the safe recruitment of staff, including criminal records checks and obtaining character referenc