Yew Tree Cottage provides accommodation and personal care for up to 11 people who have learning difficulties. The service was also registered to provide personal care to people living in their own homes. This service was not provided at the time of our inspection.

This is the first inspection since the provider added the service to their registration in June 2016.

This inspection took place on 11 July 2017. At the time of this inspection there were 11 people receiving the service.

People who received the service felt safe because systems were in place to manage risks appropriately and to protect people from avoidable harm. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs and staff recruitment procedures ensured that only suitable staff were employed. Medicines were managed safely and people received their medicines as prescribed. Where it was safe to do so, staff supported people to manage their own medicines.

People received care from staff who were well trained, well supported and felt valued. People were supported to have choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. People were supported to have enough to eat and drink. People were supported to manage their health and wellbeing and to access a range of healthcare professionals.

Staff were kind, caring and respectful towards people. They respected people’s privacy and dignity. People benefitted from good relationships with the staff and registered manager. People were involved making decisions about their day to day lives. People were referred for advocacy when this was required.

People’s health and welfare were met by staff who were responsive to people’s needs. People’s care plans were being reviewed to make them more personalised reflect clear goals. Staff supported people to be as independent as possible and access a range of hobbies, interests and activities, including work placements. People and their relatives knew who to speak to if they were not happy with the service and were confident that the registered manager and staff would listen to them.

The registered manager was approachable. People, relatives and staff were encouraged to put forward their views about the service. The registered manager monitored the quality of the care by a range of audits that they regularly carried out and acted on suggestions to improve the service. The registered manager sought advice from experts where they did not have the necessary skills or knowledge.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.