This was an announced inspection carried out on 25 January 2019.

This was the first inspection of Coachmans Cottage.

Coachmans Cottage is registered to provide accommodation for personal or nursing care to a maximum of three people with learning disabilities or a related condition. Nursing care is provided. Two people were living at the service at the time of inspection.

People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The building conformed to the model of care proposed from 2015 and 2016 guidance that people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder which proposed smaller community based housing. The care service has been developed and designed in line with Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

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. Some information was made available in a format that helped people to understand if they did not read. However, more information could be made accessible to promote the involvement of the person. This was actioned straight after the inspection.

Staff knew the people they were supporting well. Support plans were in place but they did not provide guidance detailing how people wished to be supported. We have made a recommendation that support plans should be more person-centred and reflect the personalised care provided by staff.

Staff upheld people's human rights and treated everyone with great respect and dignity. They had developed good relationships with people, were caring in their approach and treated people with respect. Care was provided with patience and kindness.

People had access to health care professionals to make sure they received appropriate care and treatment. Staff followed advice given by professionals to make sure people received the care they needed. Systems were in place for people to receive their medicines in a safe way.

People were encouraged to maintain a healthy diet. They were provided with opportunities to follow their interests and hobbies and 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 and family members and