We undertook an unannounced inspection of Gosford Lodge on 8 June 2017.

Gosford Lodge provides accommodation for up to eight people who require nursing or personal care, specifically people with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder. On the day of our inspection seven people were living at the service.

A new manager was in post who was registering with the Care Quality Commission to become the registered manager. 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.

We were greeted warmly by people and staff at the service. The atmosphere was open and friendly. The team displayed a transparent and honest culture where management and staff were keen to learn and improve.

People told us they were safe. Staff understood their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding. Staff had received regular training to make sure they stayed up to date with recognising and reporting safety concerns. The service had systems in place to notify the appropriate authorities where concerns were identified.

People were supported by staff that were knowledgeable about people’s needs and provided support with compassion and kindness. People received high quality care that was personalised and met their needs.

Where risks to people had been identified, risk assessments were in place and action had been taken to manage the risks. This included risks relating to relationships and epilepsy. Staff were aware of people’s needs and followed guidance to keep them safe. People received their medicines as prescribed.

Staff understood the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and applied its principles in their work. The MCA protects the rights of people who may not be able to make particular decisions themselves. The manager was knowledgeable about the MCA and how to ensure the rights of people who lacked capacity were protected, this included people who were deprived of their liberty.

There were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs. Staff responded promptly where people required assistance. The service had robust recruitment procedures and conducted background checks to ensure staff were suitable for their role.

The service responded to people’s changing needs. People and their families were involved in their care and how their care progressed and developed.

Staff spoke extremely positively about the support they received from the manager. Staff supervisions and meetings were scheduled as were annual appraisals. Staff told us the manager was very approachable and supportive and that there was a very good level of communication and trust within the service.

The service sought people's views and opinions. Relatives told us they were confident they would be listened to and action would be taken if they raised a concern.

People had sufficient to eat and drink. Where people required special diets, for example, pureed or fortified meals, these were provided. People were encouraged and supported to prepare their meals.

People were encouraged to engage in activities and pursue hobbies and relationships. Staff supported people to be independent and were knowledgeable regarding people’s hobbies and interests.

The manager monitored the quality of service and looked for continuous improvement. Accidents and incidents were investigated, analysed and action was taken to prevent reoccurrence. Learning from incidents was shared with staff to keep people safe.