This unannounced inspection took place between the 14 and 15 August 2018. This is the first inspection of Tigh Calman since it was first registered in August 2017.

Tigh Calman 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.

At the time of our inspection there were six people using the service. Tigh Calman accommodates six people in individual en-suite bedrooms in one adapted building. It provides a service to people with a learning disability and autism. The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

A registered manager was 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.

The service was safe. People were safeguarded by staff who knew how to recognise and report any concerns. Risks to people were identified and managed well. Sufficient staff were in post and the recruitment process for new staff had helped ensure that only suitable staff were employed. Lessons were learned when things had not always gone well and prompt actions were taken to keep people safe. Medicines were administered and managed safely. Staff adhered to the provider’s policies in maintaining and clean environment.

The service was effective. People’s needs were met by staff who had the right training and skills to do this effectively. People ate healthily and had sufficient quantities of food and drink. People were enabled to access health care services. 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. The registered manager worked with external stakeholders to help ensure that when people moved into the service they received consistent care.

The service was caring. People were cared for by staff and supported in a compassionate way. People’s privacy and dignity was promoted and respected. Access to advocacy was enabled should people ever need this support. People were involved in their care as much as practicable. People were treated with fairness whatever their needs were.

The service was responsive. People received person centred care that was based upon their strengths and levels of independence. Technology was used to enhance the quality of people’s lives. People were supported to raise concerns when required. Concerns were responded to effectively and this helped drive improvement. Systems were in place to support people, staff and family members if any person needed support with end of life care.

The service was well-led. The registered manager led by example and ensured the staff they supported had the right skills and values. Staff worked as a team to help people and each other. Quality assurance and governance systems were effective in identifying and acting upon improvements when these were needed. People had a say in how the service was run. Feedback to staff was provided in a positive way. An open and honest staff team culture was in place. The registered manager and staff worked in partnership with others who contributed to the quality of people’s care.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.