This comprehensive inspection took place on 5 and 7 June 2018. The first day of the inspection was unannounced. This meant that the provider and staff did not know we were coming. This was the first inspection of this service since the new provider registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in August 2017. During the inspection the provider changed the name of the service from Sundial View to Sundial Care Home.

Sundial Care Home is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Sundial care home can accommodate up to 37 people in a detached period property in the village of Tipton St. John, East Devon, near the seaside town of Sidmouth. The home consists of two floors with a passenger lift providing level access to each floor. There are two large communal areas, both providing kitchenettes, dining areas and comfortable seating where people could spend their time as they chose. To the rear of the house was a large secure landscaped garden with country views which people could access independently.

At the time of this inspection there were 23 people using the service. One of these was staying at the service for a period of respite (respite is planned or emergency temporary care provided to people who require short term support). One house of 11 bedrooms was closed for refurbishment which was due to be completed later this year.

There was a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with CQC to manage the service. Like registered persons, 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 supported by a deputy manager and the provider’s management team. They covered seven days a week and worked closely with people, relatives and the staff team.

People received outstanding care and were supported to have the best quality of life possible. People and visitors said they felt the care at the home was exceptionally good. Comments included, “It’s a good quality place to be. Very comfortable. I am looked after extremely well. They are very kind here.”

The provider had recruited a specialist team to design their model of care to cater specifically for people they support. They had completed research examining care models in Australia and America and best practice in care homes in the United Kingdom. They had written ‘The Evolve Household Model of Care’. This model ensured that barriers between people and staff do not exist. Staff were trained to be with people, talking and listening, enabling them to maintain maximum independence and constantly evolving to improve the quality of people’s lives. For example enabling people to do everyday tasks like making a cup of tea, sweeping the floor and making and buttering their own toast. It was clear people were at home at Sundial.

The provider recognised the importance of recruiting the right staff with the right skills. They involved people in the recruitment process. The registered manager said, “Skills can be taught however the drive to have a career in care is heartfelt and driven by a person’s (staff member’s) beliefs and values.” Safe recruitment procedures were in place and appropriate pre-employment checks were undertaken.

Staff demonstrated a passion to provide individualised care for people. They were highly motivated and offered care and support that was exceptionally compassionate and kind. There was a strong person-centred culture at the home, with people being at the centre and focus of everything. Staff had a real empathy for the people they cared for and treated people like family members. They interacted positively with people and had a good knowledge of the p