CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at 11a Curlew Crescent
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, January 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured that infection prevention and control arrangements were safe.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 07 December 2020. Inspectors checked infection prevention and control because of coronavirus outbreaks in care homes.
The home supported six adults with an autistic spectrum condition. Inspectors saw staff using personal protective equipment, people using PPE in communal areas, and PPE stations available around the home.
Inspectors were assured that the home managed visitors, shielding, social distancing, admissions, testing, cleaning and infection outbreaks safely. Cleaning had been increased and regular checks were used to monitor cleanliness.
The home was inspected but not rated. This inspection did not provide an overall quality rating or ratings for the other four questions.
PPE and infection control
Staff were seen using PPE, and PPE was available in stations around the home. Inspectors were assured that PPE was being used safely and effectively.
“Staff were observed wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when supporting people.” from the report
Support with contact
People were supported to keep in touch with relatives by video and telephone. Records also showed some in-person visits when it was safe.
“People were supported to keep in touch with their relatives through video calls and phone calls.” from the report
Cleaning and monitoring
Cleaning had increased, including frequent cleaning of commonly touched areas. The home used regular audits to monitor cleanliness.
“Cleaning schedules had been increased. Areas including light switches and door handles were cleaned regularly.” from the report
Information for people
The management team shared information about COVID-19 in different ways, including easy-read guidance.
“This included easy to read guidance to help people understand the virus and support them to stay safe.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What is the home's current overall CQC rating, given that this inspection was not rated?
- 02How are visitors currently managed to prevent infections spreading?
- 03How often are high-touch areas such as light switches and door handles cleaned and checked?
- 04How does the home provide infection-control information in an easy-to-understand way for residents?
- 05How are relatives supported to maintain contact with residents, including in-person visits?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control under Safe; it did not rate the overall service or the other four questions. This explanation was written from the published report of 9 January 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.
What inspectors found, June 2017
The Kent Autistic Trust - 11a Curlew Crescent was rated Outstanding; inspectors found highly personalised support and strong management, with only minor issues noted.
This was an unannounced, comprehensive inspection on 19 April 2017. One inspector observed care, spoke with six staff, telephoned three relatives and sought views from local authority care managers. The inspector also reviewed care records, staff files, audits, rotas and policies.
The home was safe, effective and caring, each rated Good. Staff understood people's communication, behaviour and health needs. Medicines, staffing, recruitment, food, infection control and risk assessments were managed safely.
Responsive care and leadership were rated Outstanding. People were supported to follow their routines, communicate in their preferred ways, build independence and take part in activities in the home and community. The home used positive behaviour support and worked closely with relatives and other organisations.
The overall rating improved from Good at the previous inspection. The earlier concern about a freezer being in the laundry room had been addressed. Outstanding does not mean that everything was perfect, but inspectors found an exceptionally high standard overall.
Personalised communication
Staff used different communication methods for each person, including understanding one person's own signs. They helped people communicate with others and made sure they understood what was being said.
“Staff used different methods to communicate with each person which was individual to each of their needs.” from the report
Support for fulfilling lives
People were supported to take part in activities they enjoyed, use public transport, attend community events and build new skills. Staff helped people manage changes and new experiences in a structured way.
“The service provided outstanding care and support to people enabling them to live as fulfilled and meaningful lives as possible.” from the report
Positive behaviour support
The home used individual strategies to understand anxiety and behaviour, prevent distress and teach longer-term skills. Inspectors found this approach was part of everyday practice.
“We found this approach was embedded into staff practice and had resulted in less incidents of challenging behaviour and people had a better quality of life as a result.” from the report
Kind and respectful staff
People appeared relaxed with staff. Staff gave people time, respected their choices and privacy, and supported them to do more for themselves.
“Staff were patient, compassionate and they demonstrated affection and warmth in their discussions with people.” from the report
Strong leadership and improvement
Managers knew people and staff well, supported staff development and used audits and feedback to improve the home. Staff were described as motivated and committed.
“There were thorough systems to audit and identify any possible improvements to continually improve the service.” from the report
Toilet leak and smell
minorOne downstairs toilet smelled strongly of stale urine. The manager said this had been reported to the landlords, and contractors attended during the inspection to arrange works.
“One downstairs toilet smelt strongly of stale urine, the registered manager told us that they had reported this to the landlords who had detected a leak.” from the report
Medicines training for a new staff member
minorOne new staff member had not yet completed medicines training. They were not administering medicines, and training had been booked.
“Since our last inspection, all staff with the exception of one new staff had received training in medication administration.” from the report
- 01Has the leak and urine smell in the downstairs toilet been fully repaired, and how was this checked?
- 02Has the new staff member now completed medicines training, and who checks staff competence before they give medicines?
- 03How would you communicate with my relative if they do not use speech or use their own signs?
- 04Can you show me how positive behaviour support plans are updated when a person's anxiety or behaviour changes?
- 05How are relatives involved in regular reviews and in planning activities, healthcare and future goals?
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection covering all five areas, based on observations, discussions with staff and relatives, professional feedback and records reviewed. This explanation was written from the published report of 21 June 2017 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 11a Curlew Crescent
2 rated inspections over 2 years: the service has improved, from Good to Outstanding.
- January 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- June 2017Outstandingup from GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
- July 2015GoodSafe: Requires improvementEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- November 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 21 January 2011.
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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91 live-in carers within about an hour of Medway
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Most charge £980 to £1,250 a week. 78 can care for a couple. 10 years' experience on average.
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