We carried out an unannounced inspection of the service on 27 September 2017. Wollaton View Care Home provides accommodation for a maximum of 46 people who require nursing or personal care. On the day of our inspection 19 people were using the service. This was the home’s first inspection since its registration on 5 December 2016.

A registered manager was present during the inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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.

People’s safety was protected and the risk of harm reduced because staff could identify the potential signs of abuse and knew who to report any concerns to. Regular assessments of the risks to people’s safety were carried out, although plans to evacuate people in an emergency required more detail. Accidents and incidents were regularly reviewed, assessed and investigated by the registered manager. People were supported by an appropriate number of staff. People’s medicines were managed safely.

People were supported by staff who had completed an induction and training programme. Staff received supervision of their work and felt supported by the registered manager.

The principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) were followed when decisions were made about people’s care although assessments required more specific details about the decisions being made. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards were in place and managed effectively. People spoke positively about the food provided at the home. People had access to external healthcare professionals when they needed to.

People were supported by staff who were kind, caring and compassionate and were knowledgeable about their needs. Staff responded quickly if people showed signs of distress. People were treated with dignity and respect, although private space was limited throughout the home. People’s diverse needs were respected. People were involved with decisions made about their care and were encouraged to lead as independent a life as possible. People were provided with information about how they could access independent advocates. People’s friends and relatives were able to visit whenever they wanted to.

People felt activities were provided too infrequently. A new activities coordinator had been recruited and was due to start working at the home. The home had not been appropriately adapted or decorated to support people living with dementia. People’s care records were detailed and provided appropriate guidance for staff to support people effectively, however daily records in relation to people’s fluid intake were not always completed appropriately. There were some gaps in people’s records in relation to the administration of topical medicines. People felt able to make a complaint and were confident it would be dealt with appropriately.

The home was well led by a dedicated, enthusiastic and caring registered manager. They were supported by an effective team of staff who carried out their roles with confidence and dedication. Representatives of the provider played an active role in driving improvements at the home.

People were encouraged to provide feedback about the quality of the service and this information was used to make improvements. Quality assurance processes were in place and these were effective. The registered manager had started to support people with becoming actively involved with their local community.