- Homecare service
Seven Steps Support Limited
Assessment report published 22 October 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of assessment: 1 September to 15 September 2026. Seven Steps Support Limited provides care and support to autistic people and people with a learning disability. This service provides care and support to people living in 'supported living' settings, so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. It is registered to provide personal care. People's care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate accommodation used for supported living; this inspection looked at people's personal care and support. At the time of this inspection 11 people were receiving personal care.
We expect providers supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people to ensure people experience respect, equality, dignity, choice and independence, and have access to their local community. We assessed the service against the principles of ‘Right support, right care, right culture.’ The provider consistently demonstrated these principles were fully embedded in practice. People experienced highly personalised care which promoted independence, inclusion and meaningful control over their lives.
Staff helped people stay safe while supporting them to remain independent and make choices about their lives. They understood risks to people and knew how to reduce them without placing unnecessary restrictions on people's freedom. Staff understood how to recognise and report abuse and followed safeguarding procedures to keep people safe.
The service followed safe recruitment processes and employed enough staff to meet people's needs. A consistent staff team helped people feel comfortable and supported.
Staff managed medicines safely and kept accurate records. Medicines were stored safely in people's homes.
Staff received regular training and support to help them carry out their roles effectively. They understood people's needs well and received supervision, appraisals and competency checks to maintain good standards of care.
Staff supported people in line with the Mental Capacity Act. They respected people's rights and involved them in decisions wherever possible. Where people lacked capacity to make specific decisions, staff worked with others to ensure decisions were made in their best interests.
People received support to access healthcare services and attend appointments when needed. Staff worked closely with healthcare professionals to help people maintain their health and wellbeing.
Staff treated people with dignity and respect and took time to get to know them well. They listened to people, understood their preferences and supported them to make choices about their daily lives. Strong, trusting relationships had developed between people and staff.
Staff encouraged people to develop and maintain their independence. People were supported to make choices about meals, take part in shopping, manage aspects of their finances and develop practical life skills. Staff focused on people's strengths and supported them to achieve their goals.
Staff understood how people communicated and adapted their approach to meet individual needs. Information was available in accessible formats to help people understand and be involved in decisions about their care.
Staff valued people as individuals and celebrated their achievements. They spoke positively about people and showed genuine enthusiasm for supporting them to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. People were encouraged to maintain relationships, enjoy hobbies and interests, and take an active role in their communities.
People and relatives felt able to raise concerns and were confident these would be addressed appropriately. They described managers as approachable, supportive and responsive.
The management team led by example and created a positive, open culture where staff felt valued, listened to and supported. Staff were encouraged to share ideas, reflect on their practice and learn from each other, helping them to continually improve the support people received. Leaders and staff were committed to helping people achieve the best possible outcomes, supporting them to build independence, contribute to their communities and pursue goals that reflected their interests and aspirations. This ambitious and person-centred approach helped people experience improved wellbeing, greater inclusion and opportunities to live fulfilling lives.
People's experience of this service
People received exceptionally caring support that was tailored to them as individuals. People and their relatives consistently told us staff were kind, compassionate and went the extra mile to ensure people's needs were met. Without exception, people and relatives told us they felt safe and were happy with the support they received. One relative said, “They genuinely love [person], care for them and look after them. They treat [person] like a buddy, like a friend. They are very respectful of [person].” Another told us, “I can't thank them [staff] enough. They all seem to be there because they like their job, not because it is a job.” A third relative said, “Staff keep us informed every step of the way and staff never let us down.”
People and relatives spoke positively about staff's knowledge, skills and responsiveness. They described staff as observant, well trained and proactive in recognising and responding to changes in people's health needs. One relative told us, “Staff are extremely observant and always up to date with [person's] care plan.” Others said staff communicated promptly about health concerns and kept them informed about appointments and outcomes. Relatives also valued the consistency of staffing and felt reassured knowing support was available whenever it was needed.
Feedback consistently highlighted the positive impact staff had on people's lives. Relatives described staff as promoting people's dignity, independence and choice. They gave examples of people being supported to take part in meal planning, cooking, volunteering, attending church, pursuing sporting interests, maintaining friendships and accessing their local community. One relative said, “They always support [person], but they encourage them to try things for themselves.” Another told us, “Since [person] moved there, they are more independent now than they were before.”
Several relatives described significant improvements in people's wellbeing and quality of life. One family member said, “[Person] is making friends and it is making their world so much bigger than it has been. We feel really supported by them.” Another described the support as life changing, saying, “They have saved my life.” They explained that during a serious health emergency and lengthy hospital stay, staff supported their family member, maintained routines, facilitated hospital visits and helped the person understand what was happening. They added, “[Person] wouldn't have coped otherwise without them.”
People and relatives also spoke highly of the management team. They described managers as approachable, responsive and willing to listen. One relative told us, “One million percent. They listen, understand and do try. If I raise anything, they try to sort it.” Another said, “The care is wonderful. I am very grateful we found them. [Person] loves it.”