This inspection took place on 30 October 2017 and was unannounced.

College Road is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission [CQC] regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. College Road Care Home is a care home that provides care, support and accommodation for up to three people with learning disabilities.

There was a registered manager in post. 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.

This was the first comprehensive inspection of College Road Care Home since it was re-registered under the provider, Striving For Independence Care Limited in November 2016. Prior to this the service had been inspected in April 2016 under the previous provider, Striving for Independence Homes LLP, at which time it was rated “Good”.

People who used the service had various risk assessments and risk management plans, which ensured they were protected from harm in relation to their care. Appropriate policies and procedures ensured people were safe from abuse and harm.

Sufficient staff were deployed to support people. Staff employed were appropriately checked to ensure they were suitable to work with people who used the service.

Medicines were managed safely and people who used the service received their medicines on time.

Staff had access to a variety of training, which helped them to update and maintain their skills and knowledge in relation to providing care to people. Regular supervisions and appraisals were provided to review staff performance and set learning objectives for the future.

People had choice of a nutritious, healthy and well balanced diet. The service ensured that people’s health was monitored and if required external health care support was sought.

CQC monitors the application of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and deprivation of liberty safeguards (DOLS). The MCA 2005 was appropriately applied and DOLS applications had been properly made.

People were supported to maintain relationships with friends and families. Staff were kind, caring and respectful towards the people they supported. They had a clear understanding of people's individual needs, preferences and routines.

People’s care and support was carefully planned in advance and the service ensured people were involved in this process.

There was a complaint policy and procedure available and confidentiality was maintained.

People were supported to participate in activities, interests and hobbies of their choice. We saw that independence was promoted.

There were effective quality assurance processes in place to monitor care. There were systems in place to share information and seek people’s view about the running of the home.