Maple House

This inspection took place on 14 and 15 November 2017, and was unannounced.

At the last inspection in August 2015 the service was rated Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

Although the service was rated Good at the last inspection the Safe domain was rated Requires Improvement as we found recruitment processes did not always evidence that people had been protected from the risks of unsuitable staff. At this inspection we found improvements had been made and people were protected from harm by robust recruitment processes.

Why the service is rated Good

There was a registered manager in post. However the registered manager had been promoted to regional manager and the new manager was in the process of submitting their application to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). A registered manager is a person who has registered with 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.

There were processes and practices in place to keep people safe. People told us they felt safe living in Maple House and with the staff who supported them.

People received effective care and support because staff understood their personal needs and abilities. Staff had the skills and knowledge to meet people's needs. The provider had a programme of training which ensured staff had up to date guidance and information. People were always consulted fully before any care and support commenced.

People said they received support from staff who were always "polite and kind." One person said, "They are all very nice here; I wouldn't have it any other way." A visiting relative said, "I have never heard a cross word they are all very nice and kind."

There was a full programme of activities for people to take part in and the service had built up close relationships with the local community and school.

Staff were supported to develop their skills through training, staff meetings and one to one conversations.

One staff member said, "The training is excellent, couldn't ask for more. If we see something we would like training in we only have to mention it and the manager will source it for us."

People and staff were supported by a manager who was approachable and listened to any suggestions they had for continued development of the service provided.

There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service, ensure staff kept up to date with good practice and to seek people's views.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found