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

The service is registered to provide accommodation, care and support for up to 11 people who live 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. The service was in the centre of the community with the town centre being only a short walk away. The service specialised in working with people with complex behaviours where previous placements may have broken down.

At our last inspection in February 2016 we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection. This inspection took place on 30 October 2018

Systems and processes were in place to keep people safe and risks associated with people's care needs had been assessed. There were sufficient staff to meet people's needs and recruitment processes and procedures were robust. Medicines were managed safely.

Staff received appropriate induction, training and supervision to provide safe and effective care. The registered manager worked in partnership with other organisations to support people's needs. People's nutritional and healthcare needs were met. 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.

Staff knew people well and care plans were detailed and provided staff with guidance on how to meets people's needs. Staff respected people privacy and dignity and encouraged people to remain independent. People and relatives could express their views about the running of the service.

Complaints and concerns were managed appropriately and outcomes were actioned. People and relatives knew how to make a complaint. A range of activities were available for people to take part in.

Staff said the registered manager was approachable and listened. Staff said the service was well-run and the registered manager was supportive. There was evidence of effective checks being carried out to assess and monitor the quality of the service provided.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The inspection took place on 17 February 2016 and was unannounced.

Willow Court provides accommodation and personal care for 11 people requiring specialist learning disability, autism and mental health support. At the time of our inspection there were 11 people using the service.

A registered manager was in post at the service. 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 Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which apply to care homes. We found the provider had followed the MCA code of practice in relation to DoLS.

People were safe because staff understood their responsibilities in managing risk and identifying abuse. People received safe care that met their assessed needs.

There were sufficient staff to provide people with the support they needed to live as full life as possible. Staff had been recruited safely and had the skills and knowledge to provide care and support in ways that people preferred.

The provider had systems in place to manage medicines and people were supported to take their prescribed medicines safely.

Staff had developed positive, respectful relationships with people and were kind and caring in their approach. People were given choices in their daily routines and their privacy and dignity was respected.

Staff knew people well, they were able to recognise and avoid triggers which could have provoked behaviours which were difficult to manage.

People`s physical and mental health was monitored and reviewed and people had sufficient food and drink that met their individual needs.

Staff were trained, skilled and competent in meeting people’s needs. Staff were supported and supervised in their roles. People, who were able, were involved in the planning and reviewing of their care and support.

The provider had systems in place to check the quality of the service and take the views and concerns of people and their relatives into account to make improvements to the service.

We found that staff had a good understanding of people's individual needs. We saw that people were treated respectfully, their individuality and diversity understood. The interaction we saw between staff and people was supportive and enabling.

Staff we spoke with said they had been properly recruited and trained. Staff told us that they received very good support in their roles.

People had the opportunity to enjoy a range of activities and, mostly with staff support, were able to get out and about in the local community.

We saw that people’s care and support was planned and reviewed regularly. Risks to the health, welfare and safety of the person were identified and managed.

Some of the people we met at our inspection could not, because of their disabilities, tell us verbally about their experiences and so we used observation to help us understand their experience of the service. We also looked at care records and gained feedback from staff about people’s care and support needs. People we were able to speak with told us that they were satisfied with how they were treated, with the level of support provided and with the facilities and activities available. One person told us, "The staff support me well, they take me out to do the things I like to do.” Another person told us that, “The food is lovely, I get plenty to eat and the staff cook the meals that I choose, they also keep my room clean and ask me about what I want to do and where I want to go.”

People living at Willow Court were involved in the planning of their care and treatment and were able to make their own decisions and choices. People had signed much of their key documentation to show that they consented to their care.

People received care and treatment which supported their wellbeing and independence. They had access to a range of specialist professionals and therapists to meet their health needs. Risks were assessed and eliminated or reduced with appropriate strategies. Medicines were safely stored, handled and administered at the home. People received their medicines at the right time and in the right dosage.

Flexible arrangements were made so that people could take social leave. People felt safe at the home and staff ensured that they were protected from abuse. People were written about in a respectful way. Records were comprehensive, clearly completed and securely stored. They could be accessed promptly by staff.

Staff were well trained for their roles and supported to develop their knowledge and skills. They received regular supervision and support from senior staff.

People we spoke with told us that they were involved in making choices and decisions about their care. They told us the staff were helpful and listened to them and that there were pictures with information about activities both in the home and community. They said that staff knock before entering people’s rooms and were respectful of their privacy.

People we spoke with said they were satisfied with the way the home manages their medicines on their behalf.They said that staff were good and knew what to do to help them.