South Highnam

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 15 August 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of Assessment: 22 July 2025 to 30 July 2025. South Highnam is a care home registered for accommodation for people who require nursing or personal care. The service provides support to people with a learning disability. The service can support up to 8 people. At the time of our assessment 7 people were using the service.

At the last inspection we rated the home requires improvement with 3 breaches of legal regulation. Risk assessments relating to the health, safety and welfare of people using the service were not always completed or reviewed regularly. Systems and processes in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service were not effective. Care records, including records relating to the administration of medicines, were not accurate or complete, they did not always contain sufficient information to enable staff to support people safely.

At this inspection we found improvements had been made, risks were identified and mitigated, medicines were safely managed and effective systems to monitor the quality of the service were in place.

We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. The service was meeting this guidance.

The provider had systems in place to ensure people were protected from the risk of abuse and harm. Staff completed safeguarding training. People lived in a safe environment. Health and safety checks were regularly conducted. Infection prevention and control processes were in place and followed by staff.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were supported by dedicated, compassionate and well-trained staff. The home had a warm friendly atmosphere. People took part in a range of activities to support their emotional, physical and social needs. People were supported to maintain their interests. Care records were regularly reviewed to ensure they reflected people’s needs. The home worked with external healthcare professionals to support and maintain people’s health.

The provider monitored the quality and safety of the service. People, relatives and staff were regularly asked for feedback. The registered manager and staff promoted positive outcomes for people.