- Care home
Potensial Limited - 1 Newlands Drive
Assessment report published 14 August 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of assessment:19 June to 29 June 2026. Potensial – Newland Drive provides accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care to up to 13 people. It provides care to adults of all ages and people with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder.
The service is separated into two separate sections. The newly refurbished section has created a more supportive environment for people developing life skills and preparing for greater independence.
The other section of the service is the ‘Home for life’ where people can choose to live permanently at the service. This area was in need of redecoration and refurbishment to ensure people had personalised bedrooms and more welcoming communal areas.
The service was assessed against the Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture framework to determine whether people with learning disabilities and autistic people were supported to live with dignity, respect, choice, independence and access to their local communities.
The service was managed by an experienced leader who promoted a positive, open and transparent culture. Staff consistently told us they felt well supported in their roles and were confident they could raise concerns at any time. There was a clear commitment to reducing restrictive practices, with leaders working alongside staff to identify any restrictions and ensure they were lawful, proportionate and kept under regular review.
Staff were recruited safely, and there were enough staff available to meet people’s needs and keep them safe. New staff completed an induction programme and received regular training and support, including training specific to supporting people with learning disabilities. Staff also worked closely with a range of healthcare professionals to ensure people’s health needs were effectively managed.
People were actively involved in planning and reviewing their care and support. A key worker system was in place, enabling designated staff members to develop meaningful relationships with individuals. This supported them to identify personal goals and helped them work towards achieving positive outcomes. Staff maintained effective communication with external professionals to ensure care was coordinated and responsive to people's changing needs.
People received their medicines as prescribed and staff competency assessments were in place for all methods of medicine administration. Care plans, risk assessments and guidance relating to health conditions were regularly updated to accurately reflect people’s current needs.
Governance and quality assurance systems were generally effective and had identified several areas requiring improvement. However, the provider’s own audits and checks had not identified and actioned all the issues found during the inspection. Although leaders were responsive and took swift action when concerns were highlighted, further strengthening of oversight and auditing processes was needed to ensure shortfalls were identified and addressed at the earliest opportunity.
People's experience of this service
Some people living at the service were able to communicate their views and experiences with us directly. In addition, we observed interactions between people and staff and sought feedback from professionals and relatives.
Some people had lived together for many years and had developed strong, positive relationships with one another. The home had a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and people appeared happy, settled, and comfortable in their surroundings. They were at ease with both their peers and the staff supporting them.
We observed kind, friendly, and caring interactions throughout our visit. People clearly enjoyed spending time with staff, who knew them well and engaged with them in a respectful and meaningful way. Staff listened carefully to what people had to say, responded appropriately to their needs and requests, and demonstrated a genuine understanding of their individual preferences, wishes, and choices. This helped to create an inclusive and supportive environment where people felt valued and respected.
People told us they felt safe and well supported. We observed warm, caring, and respectful interactions between people and staff, and people appeared relaxed and comfortable in their presence.
Staff promoted people’s independence and supported them to make choices about their daily lives. People were encouraged to take part in activities and interests that were meaningful to them, while also being able to spend quiet time at home when they preferred.
We received consistently positive feedback from professionals who told us there is good communication between them and the staff and management team. Professionals also told us that staff listen and act on their recommendations. They told us one of the standout strengths is the relationships between the staff and people supported.