The Highlands, Chester Le Street
CQC Inspection Breakdown
| Safe | Good |
| Effective | Good |
| Caring | Good |
| Responsive | Good |
| Well-led | Good |
About The Highlands
but knew how to raise a complaint if needed. Feedback on the service was encouraged in a range of ways and was positive. People and staff told us that the registered manager and deputy manager were approachable. They and the staff team worked in collaboration with external agencies to provide good outcomes for people. Processes were in place to assess and monitor the quality of the service provided and drive improvement.
What residents and families say
People told us they did not have any concerns about the service but knew how to raise a complaint if needed.
People said they were happy and felt safe.
Source: CQC inspection report
Specialisms
About The Highlands
Serving the Chester Le Street, Gateshead community, The Highlands is a registered residential care home committed to delivering thoughtful, person-centred care. The home is operated by Pathways Care Group Limited and can accommodate up to 14 residents. Following their most recent inspection on 09/11/2018, the Care Quality Commission rated The Highlands as Good. Across the five inspection categories, the home scored Good for Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well-led. The home caters to a range of care needs, including learning disabilities and physical disabilities. The service supports learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder, physical disability. The DH3 postcode area has 9 registered care homes with a combined 367 beds — so there are options to compare in the local area.
Finding the right care home is a deeply personal decision, and we hope this information helps you and your family feel more confident as you explore your options. Every person deserves care that respects their individuality, and the right home will feel welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.
The Highlands is one of the care homes in Gateshead — a local authority with 50 CQC-registered homes, 44 of which are rated Good or Outstanding.
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Further Reading & Official Sources
- Official CQC inspection report for The Highlands
- View The Highlands on Google Maps
- NHS care home finder near DH3 1LY
We link to official and independent sources so families can verify the information on this page.
What to Expect When Visiting
When visiting a residential care home, pay attention to the atmosphere as much as the facilities. The best homes feel warm, unhurried, and genuinely caring — like a place where your loved one could feel at home.
- Try to visit at different times of day, including mealtimes, to see the home in action.
- Speak with staff and, if possible, current residents or their families about their experience.
- Ask how the home supports residents who may need nursing care in the future.
- Look at the communal spaces — do they feel welcoming, clean, and well-used?
- Assess the accessibility of corridors, bathrooms, and outdoor areas for wheelchair users.
Questions to Ask When Visiting
It can be hard to know what to ask during a care home visit. Here are some questions tailored to The Highlands's type of care that may help guide your conversation:
- 1 What happens if a resident's care needs increase beyond what you can provide?
- 2 How do you support residents to stay active and connected to their community?
- 3 Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
- 4 What does a typical day look like for someone living here?
For a more complete checklist, see our guide to choosing a care home.
Official CQC Inspection Report
The Care Quality Commission last inspected The Highlands on 09/11/2018 and rated it Good. The full report includes detailed findings on safety, staffing, and quality of care.
Read the full CQC reportWhat families typically look for
- - How friendly and attentive the care staff are day-to-day
- - What activities and social events are available for residents
- - How the home handles changing care needs over time
These reflect common priorities we see from families researching care homes. For personalised advice, we recommend visiting in person and speaking to current families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a resident's care needs increase beyond what you can provide?
CQC rated The Highlands as Good for Responsive care on 09/11/2018, which includes how the home adapts to residents' changing needs. Ask what the home's protocol is when a resident needs a higher level of nursing care — whether they support a managed transition or have partnerships with local nursing homes.
How do you support residents to stay active and connected to their community?
CQC rated The Highlands as Good for Caring on 09/11/2018. This domain covers how staff support residents' emotional wellbeing, social connection, and sense of purpose. During your visit, ask to see the activities timetable and speak with current residents or their families about daily life.
Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
Most residential care homes encourage residents to bring personal furniture and belongings to make their room feel like home. When visiting The Highlands, ask about room sizes, any restrictions on furniture, and whether residents can hang pictures and decorate their space as they wish. A personalised room can make a significant difference to a resident's sense of comfort and identity.
What does a typical day look like for someone living here?
With 14 residents and care tailored to learning disabilities, daily routines at The Highlands will be shaped around individual needs. During your visit, observe the lunchtime atmosphere, ask about morning routines and whether residents have flexibility around wake-up times and meal choices, and check what a typical afternoon looks like.
What is the CQC rating for The Highlands?
The Highlands in Chester Le Street is rated Good by the Care Quality Commission. The most recent inspection was on 09/11/2018. The home has 14 beds.
How many beds does The Highlands have?
The Highlands has 14 beds and operates as a residential care home in Chester Le Street.
Location
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Data from the Care Quality Commission, last updated March 2026. View on CQC website → How we use this data