The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Sherwood, a care home in Nottingham, as outstanding following an inspection in August.
Sherwood, run by Coveberry Limited, is a care home providing nursing and personal care for up to 18 adults with complex and enduring mental health needs, autistic people and people with a learning disability.
At the time of the inspection, 15 people lived at the home, including some in individual flats where the service supported them to work towards independent living.
CQC assessed the service using its right support, right care, right culture guidance.
The guidance assesses whether a service guarantees autistic people and people with a learning disability the respect, equality, dignity, choice, independence and access to local communities that most people are able to take for granted.
This was the first inspection since Coveberry Limited took over the running of Sherwood. It was previously rated as outstanding before the new registration.
CQC has rated the home as outstanding for being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
Greg Rielly, deputy director of adult social care in the East Midlands region, said:
“During our inspection, we found Sherwood gave people exceptional, person-centred care that helped them grow in confidence and move towards greater independence. Staff knew people well and used that understanding to support them in a way that matched their individual needs and preferences.
“People told us they felt truly listened to and valued as partners in their own care. They took part in staff interviews, shaped house meetings, and could see the direct results of their feedback through a ‘you said, we did’ board. Relatives and outside professionals told us staff communicated with them quickly and clearly, which helped keep people’s care joined up and consistent. The service took an inclusive approach to providing the best support and helped people to live fully inclusive lives while encouraging them to be part of their community.
“We found staff had drawn up highly detailed, personalised risk and safety plans with people, including around online and community safety, which helped people pursue their goals while staying protected from harm.
“Leaders showed integrity, openness and honesty. They tracked performance closely, learned from incidents, and used that learning to keep improving. Staff told us they welcomed scrutiny from CQC and commissioners, recognising that an outside view helps spot things that are easy to miss in a busy service.
“The home itself had been thoughtfully designed around people’s needs, with personalised living spaces and features to support people’s sensory wellbeing. People described feeling safe, respected and at home.
“Leaders and staff at Sherwood should be extremely proud of this outstanding rating and the difference their approach is making to people’s lives.”
Inspectors found:
– Staff gave people detailed hospital passports and used social stories to prepare them for medical appointments, helping people communicate their needs clearly to other healthcare professionals.
– The service helped people build practical skills, such as cooking and basic maintenance, which gave them confidence and helped them move towards living more independently.
– Staff completed specialist training, including in supporting LGBT+ people and understanding the impact of sensory conditions, which helped them tailor care to each person’s background and identity.
– The home recognised the achievements of its managers and staff through internal awards, which helped staff feel valued and supported good morale across the team.
– The service had bought the building it operates from, removing previous barriers to maintenance and allowing further investment in the home.
