This inspection was a comprehensive inspection and it took place on 11 and 13 July 2017. We arrived unannounced on 11 July 2017 and the service were aware we were returning to complete our inspection on 13 July 2017.

Falcon Lodge provides accommodation and personal care for up to five people who have a learning disability. At the time of our inspection five people were using the service.

Falcon Lodge has 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.

At the last inspection, the service was rated good. At this inspection we found the service remained good.

We witnessed a service full of energy. People who lived at Falcon Lodge and staff who supported them knew and understood each other well. There was a well established staff team with good management which meant staff put the needs of people who lived at Falcon Lodge at the centre of the service.

People were safely cared for. There were sufficient numbers of appropriately recruited staff who understood how to keep the people they cared for safe.

People received effective care. Staff received appropriate training and respected people’s needs and wishes. Staff ensured people’s health care and nutritional needs were met.

The service was caring. Staff had a good understanding of what people wanted and needed and encouraged independence as much as possible. Family involvement was encouraged and the service worked well with relatives.

The service responded to people’s changing needs and there were good quality assurance processes in place to help to ensure they were continuing to meet the needs of the people they served.

This inspection was carried out on 30 April and 1 May 2015 and was unannounced.

Falcon Lodge provides accommodation and personal care for up to five people who have learning disabilities. At the time of our inspection four people were using the service.

Falcon Lodge has 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.

Staff had received safeguarding training. They told us they understood how to recognise the signs of abuse and knew how to report their concerns if they had any. There was a safeguarding policy in place and relevant telephone numbers were displayed in the registered manager’s office. Relatives told us their family member felt safe and people behaved in a way which indicated they felt safe.

Risks had been appropriately identified and addressed in relation to people’s specific needs. Staff were aware of people’s individual risk assessments and knew how to mitigate the risks.

Medication was stored safely and administered by staff who had been trained to do so. There were procedures in place to ensure the safe handling and administration of medication.

People were asked for their consent before care or support was provided and where people did not have the capacity to consent, the provider acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. This meant that people’s mental capacity was assessed and decisions were made in their best interest involving relevant people. The registered manager was aware of his responsibilities under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and had made appropriate applications for people using the service.

Relatives told us they were very happy. Staff understood people’s preferences and knew how to interact and communicate with them. People behaved in a way which showed they felt supported and happy. People were supported to choose their meals. Snacks and drinks were available in between meals. People were given dietary supplements when needed. Staff were kind and caring and respected people’s dignity.

Support plans were detailed and included a range of documents covering every aspect of a person’s care and support. The support plans were used to ensure that people received care and support in line with their needs and wishes. We saw this reflected in the support observed during the visit.

There was evidence in support plans that the home had responded to health needs and this had led to positive outcomes for people.

The registered manager was liked and respected by people, staff and relatives. There was good morale amongst staff who worked as a team in an open and transparent culture. Staff felt respected and listened to by the registered manager. Regular staff meetings meant that staff were involved in the development of future plans. There was a positive and caring atmosphere in the home and effective and responsive planning and delivery of care and support.