This inspection took place on 13 April 2017 and was announced. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice because the location provides a domiciliary care service; we needed to be sure that someone would be available in the office.

Fairways Care provides personal care and support to children and young adults in their own homes or within community settings. At the time of this inspection they were providing a personal care service to nine children or young adults with a variety of care needs living in the Southampton area.

There was a registered manager at the service. 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.

Parents felt their children were safe when receiving a service and staff knew how to identify, prevent and report abuse. Staff were aware of consent and how this affected the care they provided. They offered choices and respected decisions made by children or young people who were supported and encouraged to be as independent as possible. Staff were mindful to ensure they protected the dignity and privacy of children and young people when providing personal care.

Parents said they were very happy with the service and care their children received. They said staff were kind and caring. Staff had built good relationships with the children and young people they provided care for. Parents told us care was provided by a consistent care staff team. The recruitment process helped ensure staff were suitable for their role. Staff received appropriate training and were supported in their work.

Care plans provided comprehensive information and care staff were aware of individual care needs and preferences. Reviews of care were conducted regularly. Support to manage dietary needs was provided if required.

The registered manager and provider were aware of key strengths and areas for development of the service. Quality assurance systems were in place using formal audits and through regular contact by the provider and registered manager with parents, commissioners and staff. People and relatives were able to complain or raise issues on a formal and informal basis with the registered manager and were confident these would be resolved. Plans were in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies and staff had received training to manage such situations safely.