The inspection took place on 16 and 22 May 2018.

Fritham Lodge is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. We regulate both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Fritham Lodge at the time of our inspection accommodated 12 people in two adapted residential buildings. One of the buildings contained two flats for people who were able to live more independently. The service supported younger adults who might have a mental health condition or learning disability.

There was 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.

The provider had arrangements in place to protect people from risks to their safety and welfare, including the risks of avoidable harm and abuse. Staffing levels were sufficient to support people safely. Recruitment processes were in place to make sure the provider only employed workers who were suitable to work in a care setting. There were arrangements in place to both store and administer medicines safely and in accordance with people’s preferences. The provider followed government guidance in relation to protecting people from the risk of the spread of infection. The provider had procedures to learn lessons and improve people’s service when things went wrong.

People’s care and support were based on assessments, which took into account relevant professional guidance. Staff received appropriate training and supervision to maintain and develop their skills and knowledge to support people according to their needs. People were supported to eat and drink enough to maintain their health and welfare. People were supported to access healthcare services, such as GPs and specialist nurses. The provider cooperated with other agency to promote effective care and support. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Care workers had developed extremely caring and trusting relationships with the people they supported. The provider had put creative arrangements in place to involve people and help them feel ownership of the service. Imaginative arrangements were in place to support people with equality characteristics. Staff respected and promoted people’s independence and dignity with innovative tools and methods.

Care and support were based on assessments and plans, which took into account people’s abilities, needs and preferences, and led to very positive outcomes for people. People were able to take part in an extremely wide range of leisure activities, which reflected their interests and were designed to contribute to their recovery. People were aware of the provider’s complaints procedure, and complaints and concerns were listened to and managed in a professional manner.

The home had an open, transparent atmosphere. Systems were in place to make sure the service was managed efficiently, to monitor and assess the quality of service provided, and to engage with people, staff, families and other stakeholders. There was a focus on continuous improvement.