Watchdog says others could learn from 'outstanding' care home

A residential home for people with special needs and learning difficulties has been given the care watchdog's highest grading.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) upgraded Edgar Street home in Accrington, Lancashire from good to outstanding, after an inspection earlier in the spring.

Run by Dr Morgiana Muni Nazerali-Sunderji, the home provides accommodation and personal care for up to six people including younger adults, autistic people or people with a learning disability.

Andy Peck, CQC deputy director of adult social care in the north, said the inspection "found leaders and staff committed to providing strong, person-centred care and support to people at an exceptionally high standard".

Peck said the staff "were outstanding at promoting people's independence and genuinely putting everyone living there at the heart of everything they did".

He added the manager had created a "person-centred culture, which helped enable staff to care for people with genuine kindness and empathy".

Staff took time to "really get to know people and understand their care and support needs, in a comfortable environment they called home".

Peck also praised its "wellbeing champion" who organised celebratory events, and other meaningful occasions including "culture nights, where people could eat food from around the world and learn about different faiths and fashions".

He also praised how the service "worked tirelessly with external partners to find the best possible place" for people who had needs it could not meet.

"Everyone at Edgar Street should be very proud of their dedication that is having a positive impact on people's lives. Other services should look to this report to see what they can learn."

Inspectors found care plans were comprehensive, were regularly reviewed, and reflected people's strengths, aspirations and goals.

It "actively avoided restrictive practices", using "proactive and preventative approaches" to support clients.

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