Westwood Care and Support Services Yorkshire Ltd

This inspection took place on 12 November and was announced. At the last inspection on 17 March 2016 we rated this 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 ongoing 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.

Not everyone using Westwood Care and Support Services Yorkshire Ltd receives a regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with 'personal care'; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided.

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.

A registered manager was in place at the time of our inspection. 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.

The provider had policies and procedures in place to support staff to administer medicines safely. We identified minor concerns in relation to auditing of medicines administration which was addressed by the provider during this inspection. Risk assessments were in place, and the provider was in the process of updating some of these records to include additional detail to guide staff when mitigating risks to people. Staff received training to safeguard children and people from potential harm or abuse and could explain the services procedures for dealing with any safeguarding concerns. Recruitment processes were robust and included pre-employment checks to ensure people were suitable to work with children and older people.

Staff felt that communication could at times be improved in certain areas. The provider told us this was a work in progress and had measures in place to address any issues raised. Staff received regular supervisions. Some of these were brief in detail and not fully completed to utilise all sections such as feedback from other staff and people receiving services. The provider told us this would be immediately addressed and further training had been provided to staff following this inspection to promote a consistent approach. Appraisals

were scheduled.

Inductions were comprehensive and included training that supported staff to deliver effective care and support to people. Staff were encouraged to work towards further qualifications to develop and maintain their knowledge and skills. 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 in the service supported this practice.

Staff worked with health professionals to build productive relationships which encouraged good outcomes for those people receiving services. People told us that their views were sought and suggestions for improvements actioned. People felt their diverse needs were accommodated by all staff.

Care plans were personalised and included information about peoples likes, interests and preferences. The provider was in progress of improving information around people's specific health conditions and how to best support them. Reviews of care were completed regularly and people important to those receiving services were encouraged to participate. Social activities were varied and took into consideration people's likes, dislikes and suggestions. We saw positive feedback from people that received services and their parents and carers.

The service engaged people and their relatives or carers through regular review of their needs, home visits and satisfaction surveys. Management meetings supported staff to address any concerns and share best practice guidance.

Feedback about the leadership and management of the service was overall positive. People described the registered manager as approachable and supportive.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found