The inspection took place on 22 February 2017 and was unannounced. This was the first inspection completed at this location since it was registered under the provider Rehability UK Residential Ltd in January 2016.

Rubery Court provides accommodation for up to eight people with learning disabilities. The service also provides supported living. At the time of the inspection there were six people with learning disabilities living at the service. There were also two people living in supported living accommodation and receiving support with personal care. 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.

People were supported by care staff who could recognise signs of potential abuse and knew how to report any concerns. People were protected by staff who understood potential risks to them and knew how to keep them safe from harm such as accidents and injuries. People received their medicines as prescribed. People were supported by sufficient numbers of care staff who had been recruited safely for their roles.

People were cared for by a staff team who had the required skills to support them effectively. People were supported to consent to the care they received. Where people lacked capacity, staff made decisions in their best interests in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. People were supported to have sufficient amounts to eat and drink. Where people needed additional support with food and drink or a special diet, this was provided for them. People’s day to day health needs were met.

People were supported by a care staff team who were kind and caring in their approach. People were supported to make choices where possible about the care they received. They were encouraged to remain as independent as possible and their privacy and dignity was protected and promoted. People were enabled to maintain relationships with people who were important to them. Relatives were encouraged to provide support in making decisions where appropriate. Where required people were enabled to receive support from an advocate.

People received care and support that met their needs and preferences. People’s care plans were accurate and contained detailed information about the support they required. People and their relatives were involved in developing care plans and reviewing them on a regular basis. People had access to activities in the community. Where people or their relatives raised complaints or areas of improvement needed, these were listened to and responded to appropriately.

People were supported by a care staff team who felt supported and motivated in their roles. The management of the service understood their role and legal responsibilities. They were committed to making improvements to the service provided to people and had developed quality assurance processes to ensure any required improvements were made.