This inspection took place on 23 and 24 January and was announced. This was the services first inspection since registration on 01/02/2017.

This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. It provides a service to older adults, younger disabled adults, and children. At the time of our inspection the service was supporting 16 people.

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.

Relatives we spoke with told us they felt their family member was safe and well cared for. One relative told us, “I’m really pleased, I don’t wake up in the morning and worry who is there with [mum]. Another relative commented, “So far we have found it good. [She] is very happy.” Staff told us the service was good to work for. One member of staff said, “If there are any issues the registered manager will come out to the clients house and sort them out there and then.”

Professionals we spoke with told us the service was professional and friendly and that the service communicates openly and engage with people and professionals very well. Thy added they provide holistic care and go the extra mile to ensure the comfort of people using the service.

Staff received training in safeguarding. They told us they would not hesitate to report any concerns they had. We were told that there was an on call system and someone was always at the end of the phone if staff wanted to discuss anything.

We did not see that supervisions were being carried out on a regular basis. However, staff told us they felt supported and could always speak to the registered manager at any time. We discussed this with the registered manager during our visit. They told us they will ensure formal supervisions take place and documentation provided to evidence this.

Safe recruitment procedures were carried out. Files we saw contained relevant documentation required to ensure only suitable staff were appointed. Staff received appropriate induction, training and support. Mandatory training was completed by new staff before they were able to support people. Following this the member of staff worked alongside an experienced member of staff until they felt confident to work alone. The registered manager introduced new members of staff to the people they would be supporting prior to any planned visits.

Medicines were managed safely; we saw staff completed charts correctly. The registered manager carried out regular spot checks to ensure staff were competent and followed correct procedures in line with the services policies and procedures.

Complaints were responded to and used as a way of improving the quality of the service. We saw evidence of complaints being responded to in a timely manner.

The service had effective monitoring systems in place to drive improvements and ensure the safety of people using the service.

People had access to healthcare services to maintain good health. People were supported to attend appointments when required. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.