- Care home
The Pines
Assessment report published 27 April 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of Assessment: 31 March to 16 April 2026. The Pines is a residential care service that provides accommodation for up to 6 people who have a diagnosis of a learning disability, autistic spectrum disorder or mental health. At the time of our inspection 6 people were using the service. At our last inspection in September 2017 the service was rated as good. At this inspection we found the service remained good.
We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it. The provider was meeting the principles of right support, right care, right culture.
During the inspection, we spoke with the registered manager, senior staff, and care workers. We found that people were safeguarded from the risk of abuse and that potential risks were well managed. The provider had effective safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures in place, and staff demonstrated a clear understanding of these processes.
Comprehensive recruitment checks were completed before staff commenced employment at the service. There were sufficient numbers of staff to support people safely and meet their individual needs.
Risks to people had been appropriately assessed to ensure care was delivered safely.
People received their medicines in a safe manner and in accordance with prescribed guidance.
Staff received training relevant to people’s specific care needs and were supported through regular supervision by the registered manager and senior staff. Staff reported that the service was well managed and that they received good support from the management team.
The registered manager and staff worked collaboratively with health and social care professionals to ensure the delivery of an effective service.
People's experience of this service
We spoke with people who lived at the service and their relatives to gather their views about how their loved ones were cared for and treated. People and their relatives told us they felt safe and described staff as kind and supportive. People said they had dedicated key workers and enjoyed being involved in planning and taking part in activities. People were supported to choose what they wanted to eat and to participate in cooking, they were encouraged to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. People and their relatives confirmed they had access to healthcare professionals when required. People had been consulted about their care and support needs. Our observations showed that staff promoted people’s independence, listened to their views, and respected their choices and decisions.
One person told us, “I like it here, they take care of me’”. A relative told us, “The staff are always welcoming, they always offer a cup of tea. I always take two boxes of cakes when I go”. Another relative told us, “I can't speak highly enough of all of staff”.