This inspection took place on 29 January 2018 and was unannounced.

Heathcotes (Ashbrook House) is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Heathcotes (Ashbrook House) is registered to accommodate up to six people. The service supports people with autism and a learning disability. The service is a house with six bedrooms and communal living areas, in a residential area in Wellingborough. The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the ‘Registering the Right Support’ and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen. At the time of our inspection, five people were living at the service.

The service had 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.

People were safe, and staff had an understanding of abuse and the safeguarding procedures that should be followed to report abuse. People had risk assessments in place to cover any risks that were present within their lives, but also enable them to be as independent as possible. All the staff we spoke with were confident that any concerns they raised would be followed up appropriately by the registered manager.

Staffing levels were adequate to meet people's current needs, and rotas showed that staffing was

consistent.

The staff recruitment procedures ensured that appropriate pre-employment checks were carried out to ensure only suitable staff worked at the service. References and security checks were carried out as required.

Staff attended induction training where they completed mandatory training courses and were able to shadow more experienced staff giving care. Staff told us that they were able to update their mandatory training with refresher courses.

Staff supported people with the administration of medicines, and were trained to do so. The people we spoke with were happy with the support they received.

Staff were well supported by the registered manager and senior team, and had one to one supervisions and observations.

People's consent was gained before any care was provided and the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were met. Consent forms were signed and within people's files.

People were able to choose the food and drink they wanted and staff supported people with this. Staff supported people to access health appointments when necessary. Health professionals were involved with people's support as and when required.

Staff treated people with kindness, dignity and respect and spent time getting to know them and their specific needs and wishes. People told us they were happy with the way that staff spoke to them, and they provided their care in a respectful and dignified manner.

People were involved in their own care planning as much as they could be, and were able to contribute to the way in which they were supported. Care planning was personalised and mentioned people's likes and dislikes, so that staff understood their needs fully. People were in control of their care and listened to by staff.

The service had a complaints procedure in place. This ensured people and their families were able to provide feedback about their care and to help the service make improvements where required. The people we spoke with knew how to use it.

Quality monitoring systems and processes were in place and comprehensive audits were taking place within the servic