CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Read House
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- People were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. Medicines, infection control, risk assessments, equipment and emergency evacuation plans were managed safely, but inspectors recommended stronger recruitment processes because some older employment checks had gaps.
- Effective?
- Good
- People's needs were assessed and care was delivered effectively. Staff had training, supervision and appraisals, although some competency assessments for delegated nursing tasks needed updating and this had been arranged.
- Caring?
- Good
- Staff were compassionate, kind and respectful. People's privacy, dignity, independence and personal choices were promoted.
- Responsive?
- Good
- Care was planned around people's individual needs and preferences. People could take part in activities, maintain relationships, raise complaints and receive dignified end of life care.
- Well-led?
- Good
- The home had a positive and open culture, clear oversight systems and regular audits. The new manager had only been in post for three days, but a plan for quality monitoring was already in place.
What inspectors found, December 2023
Rated Good; inspectors found kind, personalised care, with a recommendation to strengthen recruitment checks.
Inspectors visited unannounced on 22 and 30 November 2023. They spoke with 9 people, 4 relatives, 12 staff members and a healthcare professional. They also reviewed care plans, recruitment files, records, policies and audits, and observed care in shared areas.
People were described as safe, well cared for and treated with kindness and respect. Medicines were given safely. Staff were available promptly, supported people's choices and encouraged independence. People had suitable food choices, activities and support to maintain relationships.
The home had effective systems for monitoring quality, even though a new manager had started only three days before the inspection. Inspectors found some gaps in older employment checks and recommended that recruitment processes be strengthened. The home was rated Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led.
Kind and respectful care
Staff showed compassion and empathy. They respected people's privacy, dignity, independence and personal choices.
“People's privacy, dignity and independence were respected and promoted.” from the report
Food and choice
Inspectors saw a pleasant mealtime experience. People had choices and their nutritional needs and preferences were considered.
“We received very positive feedback about mealtimes and observed a pleasant and sociable dining experience for people to enjoy.” from the report
Activities and relationships
People could take part in activities inside the home and in the local community. The home also helped people keep in touch with family and friends.
“People were supported to maintain relationships, follow their interests and take part in activities that were relevant to them.” from the report
Open leadership
Leaders were approachable and the home had systems to monitor care quality. People and staff were encouraged to share their views.
“There was a positive and open culture at the service.” from the report
Recruitment records
needs fixingSome employment checks completed under the previous registered manager had gaps. The provider took immediate action and inspectors recommended reviewing recruitment processes so they are robust and follow legislation and best practice.
“However, there were some gaps in employment checks completed by the previous registered manager.” from the report
- 01What changes have been made to recruitment checks since the inspection, and are all staff files now complete?
- 02Who is the registered manager now, and what is the current position of the manager's registration application?
- 03Which parts of the whole-home renovation are complete, and how will the remaining work affect residents?
- 04Have all competency assessments for delegated nursing tasks now been updated?
- 05How are residents and relatives involved in decisions about the renovation and future improvements?
This was an unannounced inspection covering all five key questions, including the premises and care provided; the previous rating under the former provider was Good in 2020. This explanation was written from the published report of 23 December 2023 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of Read House
3 rated inspections over 8 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- December 2023Goodcurrent ratingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- December 2020Inspected but not ratedSafe: Inspected but not ratedWell-led: Inspected but not rated
- November 2020Inspected but not ratedSafe: Inspected but not rated
- June 2018Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- May 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- March 2023
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 7 March 2023.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
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35 live-in carers within about an hour of Essex
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
Most charge £1,020 to £1,260 a week. 25 can care for a couple. 10 years' experience on average.
“Not only was she professional, polite and efficient but she bought a lovely smile and laughter to my parents home.”
“She brought fun and stimulation into mums life.”
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.