We carried out a review of the data available to us about Stepping Stones to Independence on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Stepping Stones to Independence, you can give feedback on this service.
There was a registered manager in post at the service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service and has the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law; as does the provider. 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.
At the time of the inspection the service employed, a registered manager, operations manager, training manager, two care coordinators, two field supervisors and care staff.
People felt safe and there were systems in place to safeguard them from risk of possible harm. People had individual risk assessments so that staff had the information they needed to support them safely and minimise the identified risks.
People's medicines were being managed safely and administered by trained staff. People spoke
highly of the staff that provided their care and people’s relatives were also complimentary of staff. Staff we spoke with demonstrated they were aware of people’s individual needs and understood their preferences.
Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s needs and protected them from harm. The service carried out pre-employment checks on staff before they worked with people to assess their suitability.
Staff received regular supervision to discuss their progress and training needs. Spot checks were completed by senior staff to monitor staff performance and ensure people were receiving support in line with their needs and expectations.
Staff understood the importance of gaining consent from people and acted in accordance with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Staff had a good understanding of people's needs and supported them effectively. People and relatives told us that staff were respectful of their homes and supported them to maintain their independence.
Staff were described as caring, friendly and supportive. It was clear positive relationships had been built between people and staff. Communication between staff, people and their relatives was positive.
People's needs had been assessed and there were care plans in place that took account of their individual needs, preferences, and choices. The service had had an effective system in place to manage complaints.
People received a service that was well-led because the registered manager provided good leadership and management. Systems were in place to check on the standards within the service. These included regular audits of care records, recruitment files, risk assessments, health and safety, staff training and supervision.
he inspection was announced. We gave the provider 48 hours’ notice of the inspection. We did this to ensure staff would be available at the service. At the time of the inspection the service was providing personal care to 67 people.
There was a registered manager in post at the service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service and has the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law; as does the provider. 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.
At the time of the inspection the service employed, a registered manager, operations manager, training manager, four leaders, three field supervisors and 57 care staff.
People received care and support from care staff they felt safe with. People were safe because staff understood their role and responsibilities to keep them safe from harm. Staff were aware how to raise any safeguarding concerns. Risks were assessed and individual plans put in place to protect people from harm.
There were enough skilled and experienced care staff to meet people’s needs. The service carried out employment checks on staff before they worked with people to assess their suitability.
People spoke highly of the staff that provided their care and people’s relatives were also complimentary of staff. Staff we spoke with demonstrated they were aware of people’s individual needs and understood their preferences.
Staff had been suitably trained to meet people’s needs. Staff received supervision and appraisal aimed at improving the care and support they provided. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities in supporting people to make their own choices and decisions.
People gave consent before any care was provided. Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and gave examples of how they supported people with decisions about their care and daily lives. Where required, legal documentation was in place where people made decisions on behalf of those who lacked capacity to do so at the relevant time.
People received a service that was well-led because the registered manager and other senior staff provided good leadership and management. The vision and values of the service were communicated and understood by staff. The quality of service people received was continually monitored and any areas needing improvement were identified and addressed.