We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 12 January 2017. We told the provider two days before our visit that we would be coming, because the service is small we wanted to make sure that the registered manager and people would be in. At our last inspection on 01 July 2015 the provider met all the requirements for the regulations we inspected.

Positive Opportunities-83a Sutherland Avenue provides personal care and support for up to three people with learning disabilities with the aim to prepare people to move on to independent living. At the time of the inspection there were two people using the service. There was 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.

Safeguarding adults procedures were robust and staff understood how to safeguard people they supported. There was a whistle-blowing procedure available and staff said they would use it if they needed to.

Risks to people using the service were assessed and risk assessments and support plans provided clear information and guidance for staff.

There were enough staff to meet people's needs. The provider conducted appropriate recruitment checks before staff started work.

Staff received adequate training and support to carry out their roles and staff training was up to date. Staff received regular supervisions and annual appraisals.

The registered manager and staff demonstrated a clear understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).

People were protected from the risk of poor nutrition and had access to a range of healthcare professionals in order to maintain good health.

People's privacy, dignity and confidentiality were respected. Staff supported people to be independent where possible such as attending to some aspects of their own personal care.

Staff were knowledgeable about people's individual needs. People were involved in their care planning and the care and support they received was personalised and staff respected their wishes and met their needs. Support plans and risk assessments provided clear information for staff on how to support people using the service with their needs. Support plans were reflective of people's individual care needs and preferences and were reviewed on a regular basis.

The service had complaints system in place to deal with any complaints received and people believed their complaints would be investigated and action taken if necessary.

There were effective processes in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service and the registered manager recognised the importance of regularly monitoring the quality of the service provided.

The registered manager regularly sought feedback from people and staff about the service. People and staff told us they thought the service was well run and that the registered manager was supportive.

This inspection took place on 01 July 2015 and was announced.

Positive Opportunities at 83a Sutherland Avenue provides personal care for up to two people living with learning disabilities. One person was living at the service at the time of our visit and another person had moved out but continued to receive support as required.

We last inspected Positive Opportunities at 83a Sutherland Avenue in December 2013. At that inspection we found the service was meeting all the regulations that we assessed.

There was a registered manager in post at the time of our 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.

One person using the service told us that they were happy with the care provided and said they felt safe living there. They said there were staff available to support them when they needed it and that the staff were kind and caring. There was a relaxed and homely atmosphere when we visited.

We saw there were systems and processes in place to protect people from the risk of harm and staff were aware of safeguarding procedures. Appropriate recruitment checks took place before staff started work.

The service understood and complied with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005. There were no restrictions on the people using the service and one person confirmed they were able to make their own decisions in their daily life.

There was a system in place for dealing with people’s concerns and complaints. One person told us they knew how to complain and felt confident that staff would respond and take appropriate action.

The registered manager understood their role and responsibilities and positive feedback was received from people and staff about their leadership. There were effective systems in place to ensure the safety and quality of the service provided.

The two people who receive support from the service lived in a rented accommodation, with the registered manager living in the adjacent premises. Their care was managed by the registered manager and one another staff. We spoke with one person using the service as the other person was not available to speak with us. We also spoke with the registered manager and the other staff member.

The person using the service we spoke with told us that they were happy with the support they receive. “I am able to do a lot of activities,” they said.

We found that the people living at the home received personalised care and support based on an assessment of their needs. Staff received suitable support and worked with other health and social care professionals to ensure people using the service received safe and effective care. People’s care records were up to date and secured safely.

People told us that staff respected them and were polite and courteous at all times and referred to them by their name. People told us 'I am very happy living here, I am supported and I am able to be independent'. People told us they felt safe living at the home.

We found that the people living at the home were involved in their care planning and received personalised care and support based on an assessment of their needs. Appropriate checks were carried out to ensure only suitable people were employed and staff received suitable support and supervision.