Stepping Stones Red Marley

Updated 26 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 checked 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 30 November and 6 December 2017 and was unannounced. Our inspection was carried out by one inspector. We spoke with six people who used the service, four members of staff, the registered manager and the deputy managers. We also received comments from four health and social care professionals involved with the 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 have about the service including notifications. A notification is a report about important events which the service is required to send us by law.

Updated 26 January 2018

The inspection took place on the 30 November and 6 December 2017 and was unannounced.

Stepping Stones Red Marley is a ‘care home’ with nursing. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as 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 home accommodates 19 people in three ‘houses’ within one adapted building. At the time of our inspection visit there were 19 people using the service. People were supported with mental health conditions and learning disabilities with some having associated behaviour difficulties.

At the last comprehensive inspection on 21 and 25 August 2015, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good overall.

We received positive comments from health and social care professionals about the home such as, “I have certainly never had any concerns and I must say I think they do an absolutely wonderful job” and “Good knowledge and understanding of individual residents and their needs.”

Staff and management understood how to protect people from harm and abuse. Risks to people's safety were identified, assessed and appropriate action was taken to keep people safe. People's medicines were safely managed. People were supported by sufficient numbers of staff who had been recruited using thorough checks.

People were supported by staff who had training and support to maintain their skills and knowledge to meet their needs. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.

People whose behaviour could put themselves and others at risk received support in accordance with current best practice. Staff received training to manage people’s behaviour with further training planned.

People were treated with dignity, respect and kindness and were involved in the planning and review of their care and support. People were supported to maintain and develop their independence.

People received individualised care which reflected their personal preferences, wishes and routines. There were arrangements to investigate and respond to complaints.

The registered manager was visible and accessible to people and staff. Quality checks were made with the aim of improving the service in response to people's needs.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.