This inspection took place on 2 and 3 May 2017 and was unannounced. This was the first inspection for this service.

Longton Court provides accommodation for up to seven adults who could have a learning disability, autism and/or mental health needs. At the time of our visit there were five people living at the home. Longton Court has four self-contained flats that have their own front door and three double bedrooms. There are two offices, a communal kitchen, lounge, dining room, medicines room, office, log cabin, garden and patio area.

There was a registered manager in post at the time of this inspection. 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 had mental capacity assessments in place when required the provider involved other professionals to undertake capacity assessments. Two authorisations were in place for people being restricted of their liberty. One application was pending and another was made during the inspection.

Relatives and staff felt people were safe. Staff knew how to identify abuse and knew who to go to should they suspect abuse. People were supported by staff who had pre-employment checks in place prior to starting work in the service.

People were supported by staff with their medicines. Staff had received training to enable them to administer medicines safely. There were suitable staffing arrangements in place to ensure people’s needs were met. The service monitored incidents and accidents which were shared with other professionals when required. People were supported by staff to attend medical appointments and referrals were made if required to specialist health care professionals.

People were supported by staff who received training. The provider supported staff to attend additional training relating to people’s individual needs. Staff had supervisions and appraisals and all staff felt well supported and happy in their roles.

Relatives felt positive about the caring attitudes of the care staff. Relatives felt staff treated people with kindness, respect and with dignity. People and relatives felt there was a good standard of care and all were happy with the service. Staff enjoyed working for the provider and were positive about the support they received from the service and management.

People and their relatives knew how to complain and all were happy with the care and support they received. The service worked in partnership with other agencies sharing information when required.