We carried out an announced inspection of the service on 23 August 2018. Lynton House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. This service supports people who have a learning disability.

Lynton House accommodates up to three people in one building and an annex. During our inspection there were two people living at the home. This is the service’s first inspection under its current registration.

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.

A registered manager was present during the inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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 protected from avoidable harm by staff. People had detailed risk assessments that were designed to support people to lead active lives, without unnecessary restrictions, whilst keeping them safe. People had enough staff in place to support them in the home and when accessing their local community. People’s medicines were managed safely and staff followed procedures to protect people from the risk of the spread of infection. Processes were in place to ensure if accidents or incidents occurred, they were investigated and preventative measures put in place to minimise the risk of recurrence.

People’s physical, mental health and social needs were assessed and met in line with current legislation and best practice guidelines. Staff received extensive training and had their performance regularly assessed to ensure people continued to receive effective care and support. People were encouraged to choose their own meals and drinks, with support offered with choosing healthy options. The registered manager had built effective relationships with external health and social care organisations and people’s health was regularly monitored. The home environment was well maintained and suitable for the people living at the home. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.

People and staff had built positive relationships, with staff treating people with dignity and respect. People’s right to privacy was respected and people were encouraged to lead independent lives wherever possible. This included contributing to domestic tasks around the home. People were supported to make decisions about their care and support needs and access to advocates was made available if people needed further support. People’s diverse needs were taken into account when care and support was planned for them. There were no restrictions on people’s friends or relatives visiting them. People’s records were handled appropriately and in line with the Data Protection Act.

People’s support planning was person centred and had a clear focus on achieving the best possible outcomes. People were able to lead active lives and were encouraged to develop their social skills. People were supported to embrace their cultural background. Information was provided for people in an accessible way. Transition arrangements for people joining the home were effective and well planned to give people the support they needed when moving to their new home. No formal complaints had been received, but processes were