Allermuir has been praised across the board by inspectors

The Care Inspectorate has praised the "positive and happy atmosphere" of a new residential home for disabled adults with sight problems in its first ever inspection of the service.

Allermuir, in Edinburgh, was opened in August 2016 by Royal Blind as an extension to the charity’s adult services. It provides a home for life for adults with sight loss and additional disabilities who need 24-hour support.

Now the Care Inspectorate has given the home a rating of five, or very good.

Julie Jamieson, head of care (children and adult services) at Royal Blind, said she was delighted with the report.

She said: “I am very proud of the team who have worked so hard during the past year to make Allermuir feel like home for our residents.

“The aim of opening Allermuir was to provide a highly specialised service for people who would otherwise struggle to find an appropriate place to live with the right support, so it's fantastic to read such a positive first report.”

The Care Inspectorate reviewed the home’s performance in a number of areas including quality of care and support, environment, staffing and management and leadership during its inspection in July.

Inspectors highlighted good relationships between residents and staff.

The report said: “We saw that staff knew the adults very well and responded appropriately to their wishes and needs. We found that the service had a very positive and happy atmosphere, with a purposeful rhythm to daily life.”

Inspectors also commented on the wide range of activities including horse riding, trampolining, music and shopping, and the residents’ inclusion in the local community.

It said: “We found that transitions from school and home to Allermuir were managed well and sensitively, with staff, on occasion, transferring with the adult from their previous placement. This promoted consistency of care and expectations.”