New Witheven

At our last inspection in January 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 on-going 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.

People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

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.

We spent some time talking with people and staff. Staff were respectful and caring in their approach. They knew people well and had an understanding of their needs and preferences. Staff supported people to take part in a range of meaningful activities.

The management team had a clear set of values and these were known and shared by the wider staff team. The registered manager and provider both took an active role within the home. Staff told us they were approachable and available for advice and support. There were clear lines of accountability and responsibility within the staff team.

Care plans identified how people preferred to be supported and how much support they required. Risks to people's safety and well-being were identified and staff had access to guidance on how to minimise risks. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible.

Staff were supported through a system of induction, training, supervision and staff meetings. This meant they developed the necessary skills to carry out their roles. There were opportunities for staff to raise any concerns or ideas about how the service could be developed.

There were effective quality assurance systems in place to monitor the standards of the care provided. Audits were carried out regularly.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found