This announced inspection took place on 8 and 9 May 2017.

P & T is registered to provide personal care to people who live in their own homes. On the day of our inspection 51 people were using the service.

This was the first rating of the service since it was registered on 12 July 2016.

The service had a registered manager. 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. The registered manager was available on the day of the inspection.

People using the service felt safe. Care staff were aware of the processes they should follow to minimise risk to people. Systems were in place to protect people from the risk of harm and abuse. Care staffing levels and skill mix ensured that people’s needs would be met.

Care staff had the skills and knowledge required to support people effectively. Care staff received an induction prior to them working for the service and they felt prepared to do their job. Care staff could access on-going training and regular supervision to assist them in their role. Care staff knew how to support people in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and gained their consent before assisting or supporting them. Care staff assisted people to access food and drink.

Where possible people were involved in making their own decisions about their care and their specific needs. Care staff provided dignified care and showed respect to people. People were encouraged to retain their independence with care staff there ready to support them if they needed help.

Care staff understood people’s needs and provided specific care. People’s preferences had been noted and acted upon where possible. People knew how to raise complaints or concerns and felt that they would be listened to and the appropriate action would be taken.

Quality assurance audits were not detailed enough to provide an awareness if any patterns or trends were developing which may impact upon the service provided to people. People were happy with the service they received and felt the service was led in an appropriate way. We received notifications of accidents or incidents that had occurred.