We undertook this inspection on 5 August 2016. This was an unannounced inspection.

Rowandale is a residential care home registered to provide care for up to 11 young adults who have a learning disability. All facilities in the home were provided on one level. There was a large lounge and dining area and all of the bedrooms for people who used the service were of single occupancy. At the time of the inspection there were 11 people living in the home.

The service had a registered manager in post. 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.

At the last inspection on 23 March 2014, we found the service was meeting the regulations that were applicable at the time.

During this inspection we found the service was meeting the requirements of the current legislation.

Staff and the registered manager were aware of the appropriate procedure to take if abuse was suspected. Staff demonstrated their understanding of the types and signs of abuse.

Relatives of people living in the home told us their family members were safe and they had no concerns. We saw positive meaningful relationships had been developed between people who used the service and the staff. People were seen reacting positively to staff, smiling and laughing in their presence.

Duty rotas demonstrated that there was enough staff on each shift to enable them to meet people’s individual needs. During our inspection we observed sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff delivering people’s care in a timely and unrushed manner.

Medicines were safely administered, recorded and stored. We saw records had been completed in full and where gaps had been identified, notes confirmed the actions that the staff had taken as a result of these.

Staff files confirmed that staff were safely recruited to work in the home. We saw evidence of appropriate checks taking place. Staff had received regular up to date training that was relevant to their role. Staff confirmed they received all mandatory training along with a nationally recognised qualification. Supervision records had been completed. Staff confirmed regular supervision was taking place and felt supported by the registered manager.

The CQC is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and to report on what we find. The registered manager and staff were aware of their responsibilities in relation to MCA and DoLS. Referrals had been submitted to the relevant assessing authority. This would prevent people from being deprived of their liberty unlawfully.

Staff delivered care to people ensuring their privacy and dignity was maintained at all times. Where it was clear people required support, staff communicated with them using appropriate methods of communication for their individual needs. It was apparent that there were positive respectful relationships between people who used the service and the staff.

Relatives and professionals told us people’s experiences of care was exceptional. Staff demonstrated that they clearly understood people’s individual needs and the care they delivered was person centred. Staff were observed providing excellent personalised care. It was evident staff understood people’s needs thoroughly. People who used the service were seen laughing and smiling and reacting positively to all if the staff team.

There was an exceptional programme of activities in place for people. These were tailored around people’s likes, choices and abilities. Relatives told us they were delighted with the full programme of stimulating and fulfilling activities on offer. There was a dedicated activity team who ensured all activities were re

We carried out this inspection to check that the provider had taken action to improve the way people’s medicines were managed. We found that the provider had improved systems and also improved processes for checking medicines and records. The improvements made by the provider helped to ensure that the health and wellbeing of people who used services was promoted.

During this inspection we met the majority of people who lived at the home. Whilst we did not receive any specific views from residents we observed care being provided and noted that staff had a clear understanding of people's needs and the support they required. Residents appeared relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings and appeared to enjoy interacting with their carers. There were a variety of activities going on throughout the day, including trips out and activities within the home.

We spoke with some close relatives of people who lived at the home and received some very positive feedback. People described staff in ways such as, 'kind', 'caring', and 'professional' and spoke highly of managers. People felt their loved ones received an excellent standard of care and expressed satisfaction with all aspects of the service.

During this inspection we looked at standards relating to care, welfare and medicines management. We also assessed arrangements for staff recruitment and training and assessed how the provider monitored standards.

We found that the service was compliant with the majority of areas we inspected. However, we identified some concerns in relation to the management of people's medication. We have asked the provider to make improvements and will be carrying out further checks to ensure the improvements are made.

At the time of our visit there were eight people living at the home. Whilst most residents were unable to comment specifically on standards of care we saw that people looked relaxed and happy in their surroundings and clearly got along well with their support staff.

The home was busy with people getting involved in various activities. Some residents were taking part in a music session. One resident told us she had taken part in some music activities that morning and also told us that she had been to visit some of her family at the weekend which she had really enjoyed.

There appeared to be ample numbers of staff on duty to facilitate activities and for staff to be able to spend time on a one to one basis with residents. The atmosphere in the home was vibrant, cheerful and happy.

Following our visit we made contact with some of the residents’ parents. We asked them their opinions about the home. All the feedback we received was extremely positive. People spoke very highly of staff and managers and told us that they were very happy with the care provided to their loved ones.

One parent commented ‘’They go above and beyond the necessary. They have that special something that you just can’t put your finger on. We would not have (name removed) living anywhere else – we know she is so well cared for there.’’

‘’The care could not be any better’’ commented another parent. ‘’We are so lucky to have found them. We have nothing but good things to say about them.’’