CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Seven Steps Short Breaks
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors found people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. Risks, staffing, recruitment, medicines and infection control were managed safely.
- Effective?
- Good
- People's needs and choices were assessed before they started using the home. Staff had relevant training, although some staff wanted more training about supporting people who became agitated in the community.
- Caring?
- Outstanding
- Inspectors found exceptionally compassionate and kind support. People were treated with dignity, supported to express their views and helped to gain confidence and independence.
- Responsive?
- Good
- Care plans reflected people's preferences and were reviewed when needs changed. People were supported with communication, activities, relationships and complaints.
- Well-led?
- Good
- The home had an open, inclusive and person-centred culture. Managers used audits and feedback to monitor quality and took action when issues were identified.
What inspectors found, July 2021
Seven Steps Short Breaks was rated Good overall, with Outstanding care; inspectors found safe, kind and person-centred support.
This was the first inspection since the home registered. Inspectors reviewed records, care and medicines documents, recruitment files, policies and quality checks. They spoke with managers, staff and nine relatives, and visited the home.
The home provides respite and short stays for adults with learning disabilities, including people who are autistic or have a dual diagnosis. Inspectors found that people were safe, supported by trained staff and helped to develop daily living skills and independence.
Care was rated Outstanding. Inspectors found an exceptionally strong person-centred culture, with people treated with dignity and supported to make choices. The other four areas, Safe, Effective, Responsive and Well-led, were rated Good.
There were no breaches of regulations and no enforcement action is described. One area for possible improvement was that some staff wanted more training about supporting people who became agitated while out in the community.
Exceptional kindness
Inspectors found a strong culture focused on each person. Relatives and health professionals also gave very positive feedback about the care.
“There was an exceptionally strong, visible person-centred culture.” from the report
Building independence
People were supported to learn everyday skills such as cooking, cleaning and personal care. Their achievements were recognised and celebrated.
“People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.” from the report
Safe medicines
Medicines records were checked regularly, and staff were assessed as competent to give medicines.
“Regular checks of people's Medication Administration Records (MARs) had been completed, to make sure full and safe procedures had been adhered to.” from the report
Meaningful activities
People took part in activities linked to their interests and were supported to maintain relationships and avoid social isolation.
“People had been provided with meaningful activities, linked to their hobbies and interests.” from the report
More community support training
minorSome staff said they would benefit from further training on supporting people who may become agitated while out in the community. Inspectors shared this feedback with the manager.
“Some staff suggested they would benefit from further training on how to support people who may become agitated whilst out in the community.” from the report
- 01What further training have staff received, or will they receive, about supporting people who may become agitated while out in the community?
- 02How will you make sure my relative's care plan reflects their communication needs, preferences and any changes in their needs?
- 03How are relatives involved in reviewing care plans and risk assessments?
- 04What activities would be available during a short stay, based on my relative's hobbies and interests?
- 05How do you check that medicines are given and recorded safely during each stay?
This was the first comprehensive inspection of the newly registered home and covered all five key questions, including infection prevention and control. This explanation was written from the published report of 9 July 2021 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 Seven Steps Short Breaks
Each visit the CQC has published, newest first, back to the day the home was registered.
- July 2021Goodcurrent ratingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- July 2019
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 25 July 2019.
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.
Weigh the report against the rest
Fees, photos and reviews from families
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90 live-in carers within about an hour of Sheffield
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 £1,270 a week. 76 can care for a couple. 11 years' experience on average.
“Carla has been a god send with the implementation of bringing mum back home from respite care.”
“Beatrice was a talent dementia carer whose professionalism and dedication allowed mums wishes to remain in her own her come true.”
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.