We undertook this inspection on 26 July 2016. This was an unannounced inspection.

Hollydale is a residential care home registered to provide care for up to eight young adults who have a learning disability. All facilities in the home were provided on one level and all of the bedrooms for people who used the service were of single occupancy. At the time of the inspection there were eight people living in the home.

The service had 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. At the last inspection on 23 March 2014, we found the service was meeting the regulations that were applicable at the time.

During this inspection we found the service was meeting the requirements of the current legislation.

People’s relatives we spoke with told us their family members were safe in the home. People who used the service were laughing and smiling in the presence of staff. It was clear that people who used the service were comfortable and happy in the presence of the staff.

Staff we spoke with were able to demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate procedure that they would take if they suspected any concerns around people’s safety and care. Policies and procedures were in place for staff to follow in the event of any concerns.

Staff told us that there were sufficient numbers of staff on each shift to enable them to deliver care and spend quality time with people who used the service. We saw sufficient numbers of staff were available to meet people’s individual care needs both on the day of our inspection and on the staff duty rotas.

Staff records demonstrated that necessary steps were taken by the provider to ensure suitable staff were recruited to work at the home.

The storage, administration and recording of medicines was managed safely. We saw relevant checks were taking place to ensure medicines were stored safely and at the correct temperature.

Staff had undertaken relevant training and competency checks to ensure people who used the service received their medicines safely and in line with policy and procedure.

Staff had completed up to date mandatory training as well as specialised training. This would enable them to meet people’s individual needs. Staff told us they received regular supervision from the provider and felt supported in their roles.

The CQC is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and to report on what we find. The registered manager and staff were aware of their responsibilities in relation to MCA and DoLS. Policy and procedures were in place to guide and support staff.

People had to access to health care professionals and services that they required. Documentation confirmed reviews of people’s health had been undertaken.

People's experiences of care were overwhelmingly positive. Relatives told us that they were very well looked after by an exceptionally caring staff team. We observed staff responded to people with knowledge of their individual needs. People who used the service were seen laughing and smiling and reacting positively to all the staff team.

Privacy and dignity was respected by staff. Staff were seen knocking on bedroom doors and waiting to enter. Staff were aware of the importance of private space for individuals when it was required.

Systems were in place to effectively deal with any complaints. There was a policy in place and records of completed investigations were seen. Relatives told us they were confident if they raised any concerns they would be dealt with appropriately.

Activities provided to people who used the service were outstanding. There was a comprehensive ac

We carried out this inspection to check that the provider had taken action to improve the way people’s medicines were managed. We found that the provider had improved systems and also improved processes for checking medicines and records. The improvements made by the provider helped to ensure that the health and wellbeing of people who used services was promoted.

During our inspection we were able to meet a number of residents. Whilst people were not able to give us any specific views, we saw that they appeared content and relaxed in their surroundings and got along well with their support staff.

There was a busy atmosphere in the home and residents were carrying out activities of their choosing, others were out in the community. There was a jovial feel and residents and staff were happily interacting.

We spoke with some parents of people who lived at the home and received very positive feedback. People expressed extreme satisfaction with all aspects of the service and spoke highly of staff, managers and the owner. Comments included:

‘’Care is at the centre of everything there.’’

‘’We have been extremely pleased over the years with everything. We feel exceptionally lucky to have found this service.’’

‘’I cannot speak highly enough of them. They are an extremely committed staff team and they go above and beyond.’’

During this inspection we looked at standards relating to care, welfare and medicines management. We also assessed arrangements for staff recruitment and training and looked at how the provider monitored standards. We found that the service was compliant with the majority of areas we inspected. However, we identified some concerns in relation to the management of medication. We have asked the provider to make improvements and will be carrying out further checks to ensure the improvements are made.

At the time of our visit there were eight people living at the home. Whilst most residents were unable to comment specifically on standards of care we saw that people looked relaxed and happy in their surroundings and clearly got along well with their support staff.

The home was very busy indeed with people getting involved in various activities. Some residents had been swimming and others were just off to do the same. Other people had been cooking. One resident told us he had made a pizza and said he was really looking forward to eating it.

There appeared to be ample numbers of staff on duty to facilitate activities and for staff to be able to spend time on a one to one basis with residents. The atmosphere in the home was vibrant, cheerful and happy.

Following our visit we made contact with some of the residents’ parents. We asked them their opinions about the home. All the feedback we received was extremely positive. People spoke very highly of staff and managers and told us that they were very happy with the care provided to their loved ones.

One parent commented ‘’I cannot thank Dalesview enough for the way they have looked after (name removed). His quality of life is wonderful and that it is all thanks to them.’’ Another person commented ‘’We can sleep at nights knowing that (name removed) is not just cared for but loved as well. It is a very special place.’’