This was an announced inspection carried out on 11 and 12 October 2016 and was announced. At our last inspection on 4 and 5 June 2013 we found the provider met the regulations we looked at.

Woodleigh Care offers supported living accommodation for up to 15 people. The service is based in three houses in Huddersfield located a short distance from each other.

At the time of our inspection the service had a registered manager 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People felt they were safe and protected from harm. Staff had a clear understanding of abuse and were familiar with how to report any safeguarding concerns. Risks to people had been appropriately assessed, managed and reviewed.

Recruitment processes were found to be safe and the registered provider carried out ongoing background checks to ensure staff were suitable to work with vulnerable adults. People received their medication as prescribed and effective systems were in place which ensured this was managed safely. Building safety checks were carried out regularly.

Staff received an appropriate induction and were found to be up-to-date with their training programme. Regular supervisions and appraisals were taking place.

People were supported to access a range of healthcare professionals. Each person had a health action plan which was regularly reviewed. People had regular tenants meetings to agree menus and they were assisted to purchase food and drink and prepare meals. Each house had fruit and bottled water available and special dietary requirements were managed appropriately.

Staff were familiar with the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and knew how this applied to their role. Decision specific mental capacity assessments and best interest assessments were recorded in care plans.

Staff helped to promote a calm, friendly living environment where people were able to direct the support they received as they were given choice and control. Staff knew how to protect people’s privacy and dignity and people we spoke with confirmed this happened. Staff knew the people they supported well and people told us they liked them.

Care plans were detailed and person-centred. They contained information about people’s support needs and described how they wanted to receive their support. People also had ‘personal care plans’ which were styled to encourage their involvement in care planning. Care plans were reviewed with people and their families on a regular basis.

People were able to access a wide range of resources in the community to pursue their hobbies and interests as well as attending workplaces. They were supported to go on trips and holidays which were based on their choices. A number of themed events were also held in each of the houses.

A number of audits were in place which were carried out by the registered manager, clinical services manager and quality and compliance manager. These were effective as they highlighted concerns and showed action had been taken.

Staff spoke positively about the support they received from the registered manager and we found a positive culture amongst the staff team. The registered provider had an awards system in place to encourage staff development.

Complaints were recorded and investigated and people received an appropriate response.

People were given appropriate information about the service and the support they could expect. They were able to ask questions about the service and staff explained anything they did not understand. People were encouraged to take responsibility for their own care and support. One person told us, “The staff help me to do things the way I want to.”

People and/or their relatives were involved in completing an assessment of their needs before they used the service. Each person had an individual care and support plan which was regularly reviewed and updated.

Staff understood their role in keeping people safe and protecting them from abuse. They were able to describe the types and potential signs of abuse and how to report any concerns. People said they felt safe. One person said they had been given advice about keeping safe when they went out on their own.

Before staff were allowed to provide support for people they underwent a period of supervised induction. One member of staff said, “The induction was one of the best I have been on.” Once in post staff had day to day support from a more senior member of staff and attended regular supervision sessions. Staff were able to give their feedback about the service at monthly staff meetings.

The provider carried out regular monitoring visits to assess the standard of care and support people received. People’s comments were acted on and people were invited to meetings to discuss their worries or concerns.