This in inspection took place on 28 April 2017, was unannounced and carried out by two inspectors.

Westcliffe House provides accommodation and support for up to 14 younger adults with learning disabilities and sensory impairments. The service is a large period house divided into self-contained flats. The flats are arranged over four floors and there is a lift to assist people to get to the upper floors. There are two four bedroom flats, one two bedroomed flat and four one bedroom flats. There were 11 people living at the service at the time of our inspection.

There was a registered manager working at the service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service and like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Risks to people were identified and assessed and guidance was provided for staff to follow to reduce risks to people. Accidents and incidents had been analysed for each person, this information had been used to complete risk assessments to reduce the risk of the event happening again. People received their medicines safely and on time.

Staff knew about abuse and knew what to do if they suspected any incidents of abuse. Staff were aware of the whistle blowing policy and the ability to take concerns to agencies outside of the service. Staff were confident that any concerns they raised would be investigated to ensure people were safe.

Health and safety checks had been completed to ensure the environment was safe and equipment worked as required. The registered manager did not have all the certificates available during the inspection. The registered manager supplied these following the inspection. However, the checks all required updating, the registered manager has made arrangements for these to be completed. We recommend that the provider completes these checks as soon as possible.

The provider had a recruitment policy and processes in place to make sure staff were of good character. Staff received training appropriate to their role including British Sign Language and managing challenging behaviour. Some training needed to be updated and there was a plan in place for this. All new staff completed an induction; this included shadowing experienced staff to learn about people’s preferences and behaviours. There was sufficient staff on duty to meet people’s needs.

Staff had not been receiving formal one to one supervisions and appraisals to discuss their training and development. The registered manager had identified this and there was an action plan in place to address this. Staff told us they felt supported and their training needs had been identified.

The registered manager and staff understood how the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 was applied to ensure decisions made for people without capacity were only made in their best interests. Staff knew the importance of giving people choices and gaining their consent.

CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. These safeguards protect the rights of people using services by ensuring that if there are any restrictions of their freedom and liberty, these have been agreed by the local authority as being required to protect the person from harm. Some people had an authorised DoLS in place and these were reviewed regularly.

People enjoyed a choice of healthy, home cooked food. People were supported to shop and cook their own meals. People’s health was assessed and monitored and staff took prompt action when they noticed any changes. Staff worked closely with health care professionals and followed the guidance given to them.

People were happy living at the service. There was a strong caring relationship between staff and people that encouraged people to be confident and independent.