This inspection took place on 20 and 21 October 2016 and the first day was announced. The registered person was given short notice because the location provides a domiciliary care service and we needed to be sure that someone would be available in the registered office.

Fourways Community Care provides personal care to people in their own homes in Sidmouth and surrounding areas. At the time of the inspection the service were supporting 47 people receiving personal care. Times of care visits ranged from 30 minutes up to 24 hours which included nights.

The registered person is also the registered manager of the service. 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. The registered person delegated responsibility to an office manager who was in day to day control of the service. They were supported by a care coordinator, administrator, and a care worker who was trained to deliver training and care workers. The office manager said the registered person was always available for support and guidance.

A number of effective methods were used to assess the quality and safety of the service provided. People’s views and suggestions were taken into account to improve the service. An external company undertook surveys of people, staff and stakeholders and action plans were formulated. People knew who management team were and trusted them to provide good care. They said they the service was well led and provided good care.

People felt safe and secure when receiving care. They trusted the care workers to have the skills to keep them safe. People had positive relationships with their care workers and were confident in the service. They said the support they received from the service met their care needs. People and relatives said care workers relationships with people were strong, caring and supportive. Care workers gave care that was kind and compassionate. No-one had any complaints about the care and support they received.

As part of the assessment process for new people using the service, environmental risks were assessed and measures put into place to minimise the risk. People’s rights were protected because the service followed the appropriate guidance.

People’s medicines were managed safely. The office manager was working with the local pharmacy to introduce new medicine administration records.

Care files were personalised to reflect people’s personal preferences. Where people were supported with their nutrition needs care workers supported them to maintain a balanced diet. Health and social care professionals were regularly involved in people’s care to ensure they received the right care and treatment and were positive about the service.

Safe staff recruitment procedures were in place. This helped reduce the risk of the provider employing a person who may be a risk to vulnerable people. People were protected by care workers who had completed safeguarding training and knew what to do if they were concerned that a person was being abused.

People received support from consistent care workers who they knew and trusted. Care workers received a range of training and regular support to keep their skills up to date in order to support people safely and effectively. Care workers spoke positively about communication and how they were kept informed. There was a caring ethos at the service. The management team encouraged team working and promoted an open, positive culture.