- Care home
Archived: The S.T.A.R. Foundation
Assessment report published 18 August 2025
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of assessment: 19 June 2025 to 24 June 2025. The S.T.A.R Foundation is a care home providing nursing and personal care for autistic people and people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and people with mental health conditions. We carried out this assessment due to the age of the current rating. At the time of our assessment the service was supporting 55 people. We looked at all quality statements, in all key questions.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. People were supported to have choice and control by staff who respected and promoted their privacy and dignity, and who supported them in doing the things that had been important to them, both within the service and in the community.At this assessment, we found areas of concern in relation to risk management. We also found a lack of oversight in relation to the safety of people, and record keeping. Medicines being administered as prescribed but records relating to the administration of prescribed creams and stock records were not being monitored or managed. The provider was in breach of legal regulations, due to the concerns found regarding people’s safety and staff training to administer specific medicines. Governance systems and processes were not robust, which effected the services ability to correctly assess, monitor, and improve the quality and safety of care in which people received. The provider was in breach of legal regulations, due to the lack of overarching governance systems.The service had a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Staff were observed to be caring and knew people’s needs well. This information was reflected in people’s care plans, which were person centred and promoted the individuality of a person. People told us they felt safe and well-cared for at the service. There were enough staff to support people and people were actively engaged in various activities which were regularly provided. Staff told us they enjoyed working at the service and that it fostered a positive work culture. One staff member told us, “It’s a nice place to work, I have worked doing a variety of different things and it is a really good company.”
People's experience of this service
People told us they felt safe and well supported. One person commented, “Absolutely safe night and day compared to a previous home. A happy environment with no concerns.” Another told us, “No sign of any form of abuse ever, and any concerns are dealt with immediately.”
Where safeguarding concerns had been raised in the past, people confirmed the service had taken swift and transparent action. One individual said, “I reported a concern, and it was sorted immediately. There was no cover-up, and my views were taken seriously.”
There were appropriate systems in place to ensure safety, including secure entry and infection prevention measures. A relative told us, “Security is very good, you sign in and take your temperature.”
People told us staff were generally available and attentive, although agency staff were occasionally used. One relative said, “Staff are always around and well trained. Like all care homes, it could probably do with more staff, but they do their best.” Medicines were described as well managed, with one relative stating, “No concerns with medication. It’s always given properly, and we’re kept informed.”
People said their needs were met effectively, and care was regularly reviewed. One relative said, “The care plan is updated yearly. We’re kept informed and involved in decisions.” Another told us, “Staff asked about life history and personal preferences during admission. They really got to know the person.”
People and relatives consistently described staff as kind, compassionate, and respectful. One relative told us, “They [staff] care they’re not just doing a job. There’s real warmth here.” Another commented, “Regular staff are very kind and caring. Always friendly, use humour well, and treat people with dignity.” People were supported with personal care in a way that promoted independence and choice. One relative said, “They [staff] let people choose when to shower, what to wear, and when to go to bed.” Another said, “[People are] always clean, well dressed and showered. Can’t fault the personal care.”
Staff were sensitive to communication needs and used creative approaches where needed. One relative said, “One of the carers uses an iPad to help with communication as the person can’t speak.” Activities were available and adapted to people’s preferences. One person said, “There’s a broad list of activities from weekly fishing, bingo, music, shopping trips, and movie nights.” Others said quieter activities were appreciated, such as “watching Emmerdale, music, or sitting in the lounge.”
The registered manager was consistently praised for being accessible and proactive. One relative told us, “[Registered manager] is very approachable, keeps us informed and always returns calls.” Another said, “I’ve had meetings with them and the multidisciplinary team they are very open and supportive.”
The atmosphere was described as welcoming, with good morale among staff. A person commented, “It feels like a second home, and I look forward to visiting.” People also felt their views were respected and their loved ones were treated with dignity and affection. One person said, “Highly delighted with the care and love received. I couldn’t ask for more.”