This was Options Vernon first inspection since registering with the Care Quality Commission as a location under a new provider company, Options Autism (8) Limited.

The inspection took place on 11 and 12 January 2018 and was unannounced on day one. Options Vernon provides care and accommodation for up to 14 people with learning disabilities.

The service did not currently have 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. However, an interim manager was currently overseeing the service and interviews for the permanent post of registered manager were planned for February 2018.

We met and spoke with 12 people during our visit. People were not all able to fully verbalise their views and used other methods of communication, for example pictures. Due to people’s needs we spent time observing people with the staff supporting them. A relative said, “[Person’s name] is happy and safe there.” Another relative said, “Couldn’t be in a better place.” A healthcare professional commented that when they saw the person they supported they always looked happy and comfortable.

Staff had completed safeguarding training and staff had a good knowledge of what constituted abuse and how to report any concerns. Staff knew what action to take to protect people against harm and were confident any incidents or allegations would be fully investigated.

People had support from sufficient levels of staff to meet their needs. Staff had completed suitable training and had the right skills and knowledge to meet people’s needs. New staff completed an induction programme when they started work and staff competency was assessed. Staff also completed the Care Certificate (A nationally recognised training course for staff new to care) if they did not have any formal care qualifications. Staff confirmed this training covered the Equality and Diversity policy of the company. People were protected by safe recruitment procedures to help ensure staff were suitable to work with vulnerable people.

The company’s website states; “Options Group (the provider company that own Options Vernon) successfully provides person centred services to vulnerable people, and as such all programmes of care/support, education/learning and therapy are individually tailored and subject to thorough risk assessment and planning.” People’s risks were assessed, monitored and managed by staff to help ensure they remained safe. People’s safety was paramount. Information on all significant events and incidences had been document and analysed. Evaluation of any incidents had been used to help make improvements and keep people safe. Improvements helped to ensure positive progress was made in the delivery of care and support provided by the staff. Feedback from relatives, professionals and staff had been sought to assess the quality of the service provided.

People lived in a service which had been designed and adapted to meet their needs. The service was roughly divided into two living areas. Four people lived upstairs with their own bedrooms, kitchen, laundry and bathroom areas. People lived in an environment that was clean and hygienic. The environment had been assessed to ensure it was safe and meet people’s needs. The service was monitored by the interim manager and provider to help ensure its ongoing quality and safety. The provider’s governance framework, helped monitor the management and leadership of the service, as well as the ongoing quality and safety of the care people were receiving.

People were supported to live full and active lives and were able to access a wide range of activities that reflected people’s interests and individual hobbies. People were give