We carried out an announced inspection of Creative Support – Salford Locality 5 Learning Disabilities on 15, 17 and 22 November 2017. The service was newly registered in March 2016 and this was the first time it had been inspected.

Creative Support – Salford Locality 5 Learning Disabilities provides care and support to people with a learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder. The service comprises of nine ‘supported living’ settings within the Swinton area, so that people are provided the opportunity to live as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living so this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support. At the time of the inspection, 26 people were using the service.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

People using the service told us they felt safe. This view was supported by relatives, who felt their loved ones received safe care and effective support. The service had robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place. Staff had all received training in safeguarding vulnerable adults, which was refreshed and demonstrated a good understanding of how to report both safeguarding and whistleblowing concerns. Guidance was also clearly displayed in both the main office and each supported living property for reference.

People using the service and staff members told us staffing levels were appropriate to meet people’s needs. Rotas were completed within each property, by senior staff that had a good knowledge and understanding of people’s support requirements. From reviewing rotas we saw staffing was allocated based on people’s needs and plans, to ensure one to one activities could be facilitated at a time that suited each individual.

We saw robust recruitment procedures were in place to ensure staff working for the service met the required standards. This involved all staff having a Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS) check, at least two references and full work history documented. Staff personnel information was stored both at the main office and centrally with the provider.

We saw there were detailed policies and procedures in place to ensure safe and effective medicines management was maintained. Staff received training and were observed administering medicines to ensure they were competent. People who wanted to take responsibility for managing their own medicines were supported to do so. We saw the service carried out regular audits to ensure medicines had been administered correctly and documentation completed accurately.

Staff spoke positively about the training provided at the service. Staff told us regular training was provided, alongside which additional sessions could be requested in any areas of interest. We saw specific training was facilitated where necessary, such as for people with certain medical conditions or behavioural needs, to ensure staff supporting these people had the right skills and knowledge.

Staff also confirmed they received supervision and appraisal on a regular basis, which helped support them in their role and provided an opportunity to discuss any issues or concerns as well as future goals.

Both people using the service and relatives spoke positively about the standard of care provided. People told us that staff were friendly, helpful and kind and treated them with dignity and respect. We saw people were fully involved in all aspects of their care and encouraged to maintain or achieve as much independence as possible. The service utilised an ‘active support’ model, which aimed to encourage people to be involved in every aspect of their daily life, regar