4 Hermitage Lane

Updated 24 January 2018

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection took place on 13 December 2017 and was announced.

We gave the registered manager 48 hours' notice of our inspection because people who live in the home are often out during the day. We wanted to make sure people would be available to speak with us on the day of our visit.

The inspection was carried out by one inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert-by-Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Before the inspection, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We also reviewed information we held about the service. This included any safeguarding information, complaints and notifications that the provider had sent to the CQC. Notifications are information about important events which the service is required to tell us about by law.

We were unable to communicate verbally with most of the people due to the complex nature of their needs; however, we observed how staff interacted with the people who lived in the home. We talked to three staff members, the deputy manager and the registered manager. During the inspection we spoke with three relatives of people to obtain their opinion on the service.

We inspected the premises and checked records relating to the management of the service, including quality assurance audits and checks, meeting minutes and health and safety records. We checked recruitment records for four members of staff, and information about staffing levels, training and supervision. We also reviewed records concerning the management of medicines.

Updated 24 January 2018

We inspected 4 Hermitage Lane on 13 December 2017. 4 Hermitage Lane is registered to provide accommodation to six people with learning disabilities who require support with personal care. The home is situated in Swindon.

There was a registered manager 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.

At the last inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

People told us and their relatives confirmed they continued to feel safe and well cared for at the service. Risks relating to people's care and support had been assessed and were minimised as far as possible. Detailed emotional and behaviour support plans were in place for people whose actions were assessed as posing potential risk to themselves and others. Staff knew how to recognise and report any concerns about people's care and welfare and how to protect people from abuse.

There were enough staff to support people and the provider followed safe recruitment practice to employ suitable staff. People received effective care and support as staff received ongoing training to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. People continued to live in a home that was kept clean and well-maintained. Regular checks were carried out on the environment and equipment to ensure it was safe and fit for use. Medicines were safely stored and administered in accordance with best practice. Staff were trained in medicines administration.

Staff received appropriate support to carry out their roles on a day-to-day basis through structured supervisions and appraisals. Staff were well-trained and the service aimed to facilitate their further professional development. People’s dietary needs were recognized and met. People told us they enjoyed a balanced and healthy diet of their own choice. The service worked well in cooperation with other professionals to ensure people’s needs were met safely.

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 of the service supported this practice. People were encouraged to be independent and staff respected their privacy and dignity. Staff understood the different ways people communicated and used different communication methods in order to involve people in their care.

People enjoyed varied social and leisure opportunities that interested them. Staff worked flexibly to support people with their preferred interests, activities and hobbies. People and relatives were encouraged to share their views and opinions on the service. Arrangements to deal with complaints were in place should such a need arise.

The leadership within the service was described as very good by staff and relatives. There were effective systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service. There was a clear vision of the service and an open culture where people could freely share their views on the service and were listened to.