Southdown’s Mill Lane learning disability service shines with “Excellent” rating in recent quality audit
Posted on 18 August 2025
Our incredible team at Mill Lane, Portslade learning disability service has been awarded an “Excellent” overall rating by the local authority following a recent Provider Assessment and Market Management Solution (PAMMS) Quality Audit. The audit is a rigorous process designed to assess the quality of social care services and help prepare for Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections.
The PAMMS report praised the team for their exceptional care, person-centred approach, and unwavering respect for clients’ privacy and dignity. Inspectors highlighted the deep, trusting relationships built between staff and clients, noting how even non-verbal clients with profound disabilities are understood, supported, and meaningfully engaged through sensory activities, community outings, and technology such as tablets.
What “Excellent” looks like
Inspectors awarded top marks for:
- Truly personalised care planning – each plan reflects clients’ preferences, views, and active involvement in decision-making.
- Kindness, compassion, and respect – staff treat clients as individuals, uphold dignity and independence, and celebrate diversity.
- Detailed and responsive record-keeping – daily notes accurately reflect clients’ evolving needs, ensuring swift, appropriate care.
One powerful example stood out: a new client who had experienced significant trauma in a previous setting struggled to settle in. The kitchen was a major source of anxiety, but, through patient, consistent support and collaboration with the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) team, the space has transformed into a place of growth. Today, that client confidently prepares their own breakfast and snacks, has completed a multi-sensory course at Lewes College, and is returning in September.
This kind of progress doesn’t happen overnight. It involves navigating emotional triggers, adapting to complex needs, and staying committed even when progress feels slow, or setbacks occur.
“It wasn’t always easy,” a colleague reflected. “We lost quite a few staff along the way who found it too challenging, but we got there together. It just shows what believing in our clients, and in each other, can achieve.”
The Southdown Way
The team’s responsiveness also impressed inspectors. With clients’ health needs often complex, the staff are quick to identify concerns, seek medical advice, and work together to find solutions.
For the team, the rating was simply recognition of their everyday standard:
“On the day of the inspection, we were just doing what we do normally.”
“We weren’t doing anything special – just being ourselves.”
“We just do our job properly.”
Newman Gumpo, Manager of the service, summed it up perfectly:
“These are the fruits of a good team culture that puts clients at the centre of all we do. TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More.”
This achievement reflects not only Mill Lane’s dedication but also Southdown’s wider commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care built on respect and empowerment.
