CQC Registration

Update on our recent CQC Inspection:

“We are writing to share the results of our most recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, which took place between 9th and 25th July 2025. The overall rating given was Requires Improvement.

First and most importantly

Nothing in this report relates to the quality of day-to-day care residents receive.

Inspectors repeatedly highlighted that residents feel safe, happy and well cared-for, and that our staff are kind, attentive and compassionate. The areas requiring improvement relate to internal systems and documentation—not the actual care, safety or wellbeing of residents—and we have already addressed all of these points.

What Inspectors Said About Our Care

The report contains many reassuring findings that reflect the experience families and residents see every day. Inspectors noted that:

• • Residents described staff as “kind and gentle”, saying “I do like it here” and “They are always kind to me.”

• • Relatives praised the care strongly, sharing comments such as “I could not wish for a better place, the carers are amazing.”

• • Staff were observed interacting with residents with patience, kindness and respect, creating warm and meaningful relationships.

• • Residents and families said they felt safe, listened to and involved in decisions.

• • The home was clean, tidy and personalised, and staff supported residents to maintain independence, friendships and routines.

• • Staff had excellent knowledge of residents and were able to meet their needs safely and confidently.

The inspection also confirmed:

• • Staffing levels were safe and appropriate, with call bells answered quickly.

• • Medicines were administered safely, by trained and competent staff.

• • Infection control was strong.

• • Safeguarding training was up to date, and staff knew how to report concerns.

• • Leadership was positive, with a caring culture, good teamwork and strong relationships with families.

These findings reaffirm that the care provided every day at the home is compassionate, safe and person-centred.

About the Areas Identified for Improvement

The areas requiring improvement were centred around:

• • Medicines documentation

• • Risk oversight

• • Record-keeping systems

These were not issues about residents’ safety or the standard of care delivered. Instead, they relate to how certain processes were recorded and evidenced under the CQC’s newer assessment framework.

To ensure even more robust systems, we have already taken comprehensive action:

• • We have moved to a new GP surgery and pharmacy with specialist care-home experience.

• • We have appointed a second Clinical Lead.

• • We have introduced monthly clinical and medication audits.

• • Staff have received enhanced training on medicines management, documentation and incident reporting.

• • We continue to invest in staff learning, clinical development and mentorship.

Understanding the Rating in Context

CQC’s current assessment framework places significant weight on the completeness of internal records and evidence of oversight. This means a home can receive a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating even when care is kind, safe, and well delivered.