Durlands Road provides care and support for up to four people with a learning disability and autism. At the time of our inspection there were four people living at the service. The service is located in a quiet residential area, close to local amenities. There is parking to the front of the service and a garden at the rear.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

People’s capacity had not always been considered and documented in line with legislation and guidance. We made a recommendation regarding working in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) Code of Practice. However, staff were knowledgeable about the MCA and how they supported people in making their own choices and decisions.

Communication and feedback systems were in place for staff such as meetings and records. Relatives we spoke with said communication could be improved.

Staffing levels were safe. Staff were caring, consistent and experienced. Staff received an induction and regular training.

Medicines were stored and administered safely. Risk assessments and guidance were in place to support people whilst ensuring people’s independence was promoted.

Care plans were person centred and supported people to pursue activities of their choice.

People’s health needs were met. Care plans gave guidance around specific health conditions and dietary information.

There was a positive and enthusiastic staff culture. Staff worked well as a team to provide consistent care and support which met people’s needs.

Systems were in place to monitor and review the quality of the service. Regular checks of the environment and fire safety equipment were conducted.

Further information is in the detailed findings below

The inspection of 6 Durlands Road was unannounced and carried out on 16 and 18 May 2016.

Voyage 1 Limited are a specialist provider of a range of services for people with learning disabilities. 6 Durlands Road provided care and support for up to four people with a learning disability. At the time of our inspection there were three people using the service. The home is in a residential area close to local amenities. The home has a large accessible garden with parking to the front.

There was a registered manager 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.

Relatives of people who lived at the home and staff told us people were safe. There were systems and processes in place to protect people from the risk of harm. These included thorough staff recruitment, staff training and systems for protecting people against risks of coming to harm.

There were enough suitably trained staff to meet people's individual care needs. We saw staff spent time with people and provided assistance to people who needed it. Staff were available to support people to go on trips or visits within the local community.

People were supported to keep healthy. Any changes to their health or wellbeing were acted upon and referrals were made to social and healthcare professionals to help keep people safe and well. Accidents and incidents were responded to quickly. Medicines were managed safely and people had their medicines at the times they needed them.

Staff followed the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) to ensure that people's rights were protected where they were unable to make decisions.

Staff were patient, attentive and caring in their approach; they took time to listen and to respond in a way that the person they engaged with understood. They respected people's privacy and upheld their dignity when providing care and support.

There were effective systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of service through feedback from people who used the service, staff meetings and a programme of audits and checks.

There was an open and inclusive atmosphere in the service and the registered manager showed effective leadership. People at the service, their relatives and staff were provided with opportunities to make their wishes known and to have their voice heard. Staff spoke positively about how the registered manager worked with them and encouraged team working.