The inspection took place on 04 and 05 October 2017 and the provider was given 48 hours’ notice. This was the first inspection since the service registered in March 2016.

County Care Independent Living Ltd is a domiciliary care agency providing personal care and outreach support to people living in their own homes. They support people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities and mental health conditions. At the time of our inspection there were 11 people receiving personal care.

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.

People received person-centred care and their care plans reflected their needs and what was important to them. Staff routinely involved people in their care and supported them to make choices and decisions. People had consented to receiving a service. People were supported to take part in a wide variety of activities, outings and events. The provider had systems in place for people to be involved in decisions about the service. People and relatives were regularly asked for feedback through regular surveys. The provider took complaints seriously and ensured people knew how to raise concerns.

Risks to people were assessed and regularly reviewed. Plans were in place to minimise risks to people whilst promoting their independence. People’s records reflected what was important to them and people told us that staff encouraged them to be independent and develop skills. Where accidents or incidents did occur, staff took appropriate action to keep people safe. Staff had been trained in how to safeguard people from abuse and they demonstrated a good understanding of local safeguarding procedures.

The provider carried out appropriate checks on staff to ensure that they were suitable for their roles. Staff received an induction and ongoing training to ensure they were confident in their roles. Staff had regular supervision meetings to discuss their work and their performance. Staff felt supported by management and were given opportunities to contribute to the running of the service. Staff were made to feel valued because the provider had introduced recognition schemes that rewarded good practice. The provider deployed staff in a way that meant staff were on time and able to spend the allotted time with people. A plan was in place to ensure that people’s care would continue in the event of an emergency.

People’s medicines were recorded appropriately and any healthcare needs were met. Staff supported people to attend appointments and discussed people’s healthcare with people where appropriate. People were given food in line with their preferences and their dietary requirements. Staff were respectful of people’s privacy and dignity when supported them with personal care.

The provider had a plan for improving the service and this was regularly updated. Audits took place to identify any improvements which were actioned by management. The provider had developed links with the local community and people benefitted from these.