We considered our inspection findings to answer questions we always ask providers when we visit to inspect a service; is the service caring, responsive, safe, effective and well led.

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with staff and from examining records. If you want to see the detailed evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

At the time of our inspection there was one person using the service. To meet the needs of people who use the service there was one care worker and the registered manager working within the local community. We met and spoke with the registered manager.

Is the service caring?

People who used the service had a comprehensive care plan. The information recorded within these indicated that people's preferences and choices had been listened to and were being respected. People who used the service had been asked for information about their needs and wishes and this had been recorded in their care plan.

Daily communication record logs were also recorded and maintained by staff recording the care and support provided to people during their care calls. These communication logs reflected people's recorded identified needs. We noted that the service used two types of communication logs, one for staff to record daily activities undertaken and another for them to record any personal care support offered. The registered manager informed us that they used two record logs to promote and enhance people’s privacy and dignity.

Is the service responsive?

The service monitors the views of people using the service about their care, privacy and dignity through satisfaction surveys and when reviews of people's care plans were carried out. Records we looked at confirmed this and changes made to people's care plans as a result were recorded and signed in agreement by people using the service. The registered manager explained that the service asks people their preferred times for visits and support provided to make sure their support is tailored to their needs and that this reflects people’s wishes and choice.

Is the service safe?

As part of people's care planning arrangements, full risk assessments were carried out by the provider to address various health and safety issues whilst staff delivered care in people's homes and to ensure identified risks were minimised. For example, there were risk assessments for manual handling and the physical environment where care was provided to ensure the safety of people using the service and staff.

Discussions with the registered manager demonstrated that they were knowledgeable and had a good understanding of the different types of abuse and what action they would take if they witnessed or were informed of an incident of abuse. The registered manager was also familiar with the Mental Capacity Act (2005). People who use the service were protected from the risk of abuse because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening.

Is the service effective?

The registered manager told us that respecting and involving people who use the service was a priority when providing services to people within their own homes. This was referred too within the services “Guide to Your Care” booklet as part of their customer charter.

We looked at care plans and records in place for people using the service. Care plans were comprehensive and contained a variety of detailed information on individual care needs and included a full care needs assessments undertaken by the service before agreeing to provide support to individuals. These assessments had been carried out to ensure that the service was aware of people's needs and that they were confident that they were able to meet their needs appropriately before the service commenced.

Is the service well led?

Appropriate checks were undertaken by the provider before staff began work. New members of staff were not allowed to start work before suitable background checks and identity verification checks had been completed. Staff records we looked at were well maintained and the information we required about recruitment was easily accessible. Staff files demonstrated that appropriate pre-employment checks had been carried out for new staff in line with legal requirements.

During our inspection we looked at and sampled some aspects of the quality assurance systems that were in place. We saw that there were up to date operational policies and procedures to guide staff and that these covered many areas of the service like; quality assurance, health and safety and care and support. We also established that staff members had access to guidance for reference, induction and training.